Photo by Zohaib Alam/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Zohaib Alam/Manchester United via Getty Images
Cristian Orozco has finally been announced as a Manchester United player.
The wait is over. Following a deal that was agreed for £750,000 with Fortaleza, Cristian Orozco is officially a Manchester United player.
Although the transfer was announced on Thursday, 6 August, Orozco arrived at United a month ago and has already made an appearance for the U21 in pre-season.
That helps explain why many of the academy players – rather than first team stars – have been active on social media to welcome Orozco to the club.
Cristian Orozco signs for Manchester United
Photo by Zohaib Alam/Manchester United via Getty Images
Jim Thwaites and Finley McAllister among starlets to welcome Cristian Orozco
It makes sense for Orozco to settle at the club in the youth teams.
At the age of 18, he’s just moved across the world and is trying to adapt his game for a totally different kind of style – with teammates who speak a different language.
United took a similar approach with Sekou Kone, who has been sent on loan to Lausanne-Sport for a second consecutive season – but Orozco has shown glimpses that he has more physicality to his game than the Mali youth international.
Proud of moving to the biggest club in the world, Orozco took to Instagram on Thursday with the following caption: “God is great!”
The picture in question shows Orozco holding the new United home shirt for the 2026/27 season.
Orozco’s post led to an array of comments, including three from his United academy teammates.
Jim Thwaites replied with a clapping-hands emoji, as did fellow young midfielder Finley McAllister.
Bassirou Nkoto wrote: “Welcome bro.”
Hopefully, it’s only a matter of time before Orozco makes an impression among United’s first-team squad.
It’s also worth noting that United fans filled the comments with best wishes for Orozco.
⚡️ KEY TAKEAWAYS
Cristian Orozco unveiled as a new Manchester United signing
The 18-year-old has already played for the U21s in pre-season
Jim Thwaites was among the youth players to welcome Orozco to United via social media
Getty Images
Right time for Cristian Orozco to impress at Man Utd
There’s still a big hole in the midfield when you look at the first team, even after signing Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
It remains to be seen if United will sign a much-needed third midfielder before the transfer deadline.
Even though Orozco has gone straight into the U21 team, it’s still a good time for a young, promising midfielder to be signing for United.
The likelihood of getting a chance is strong if you’re good enough.