Man Utd transfer: 'Leader' who captains Colombian national side joins in bargain deal

Manchester United are signing a new "leader" who already captains his country as they sign "the new Caicedo".

Highly-rated Colombian Cristian Orozco has now turned 18, allowing the transfer to United be finalised under FIFA regulations.

The defensive midfielder arrives from Fortaleza CEIF in a deal worth around £750,000 and he is expected to begin his United career with the club's Under-21s.

Although Orozco is viewed as a player for the future rather than an immediate first-team option, those who have worked with him in Colombia believe United are signing a mature player who is a born leader and is ready to be used by Michael Carrick.

Former Colombia youth coach Álvaro Escobar has spoken glowingly about Orozco's character, describing him as a natural leader despite his young age.

"He is a leader that has seen him become the captain of the U17 Colombian national team. He is very composed and listens to what you say, he does not get upset when corrected," said Escobar.

"It has been a real pleasure to train him and I was really pleased when I found out he was going to Manchester United."

That view is also felt by Campo Elías Santacruz, who coached Orozco during his early development at Rojo FC.

"With his character and style of play, he became a key player in the Under-15 and Under-17 teams," he said.

"Despite being so young, he always showed leadership in every training session. He worked extremely hard and, both on and off the pitch, behaved with the maturity of a much older player."

Orozco is a defensive midfielder who is comfortable in a holding role as he combines physicality with composure in possession and has earned a reputation for reading the game well.

His biggest strengths include winning possession, covering ground quickly and breaking up opposition attacks before recycling the ball efficiently.

Rather than attempting to make the killer pass, he prefers to keep the game moving and provide a solid platform for those further forward.

United's recruitment team reportedly see similarities between Orozco's profile and the early development of Ecuador international Moisés Caicedo, another midfielder who built his reputation on defensive intelligence, athleticism and tactical discipline.

Orozco is not expected to be fast-tracked into Carrick's first-team squad.

Instead, the plan is for him to continue his development within the club's academy while gaining experience in England before challenging for senior opportunities.

Even so, he does not arrive without experience. Orozco has already featured in Colombian professional football with Fortaleza CEIF, giving him exposure to senior competition at an early age and helping accelerate his development.

For a relatively modest transfer fee, United believe they have secured one of Colombia's most promising young midfielders.