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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Alex Young

Manchester United confirm new midfield signing after year-long pursuit

Manchester United have announced the signing of Colombian wonderkid Cristian Orozco.

The 18-year-old midfielder arrives from Colombian top-flight club Fortaleza CEIF, having been a product of Rojo FC's academy.

Orozco made five senior appearances for Fortaleza last season and has also represented Colombia at Under-17 level. He will initially link up with the academy.

According to reports, the deal is worth around £750,000. It was agreed last year, but Orozco had to wait until his 18th birthday before making the move to England.

The teenager visited Man Utd’s Carrington training ground last year, telling ESPN Colombia: “I visited the city and everything was very nice. I was able to see the stadium, the team’s training ground and honestly I’m fulfilling a childhood dream. It was very nice.

“My expectation from now on is to learn a lot of English. I realised that it’s very important and I want to arrive there, learn and adapt as quickly as possible. That’s what’s required to show my level there, what I can offer.

“I know my strengths are my physicality and my technique. I have those qualities and, with the gift God gave me, I don’t think it will be too difficult.

“But everything is about adapting. I’m very young and that’s what I’ll need to do."

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