Orozco continues fine start at Man Utd with goal as he pushes Carrick for first team place

Cristian Orozco hit a goal as he continues to make an impressive start to life at Manchester United and pushes for a place in the first team.

The highly-rated Colombian midfielder found the net as United's Under-21s thrashed Aston Villa 5-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly, continuing his adaptation to life at Carrington.

It was an encouraging moment for a player United have been tracking for some time and who officially joined the club after turning 18 earlier this summer.

Orozco was recruited from Fortaleza following an aggressive pursuit of South American talent led by United's recruitment team, with director of football Jason Wilcox playing an important role in bringing the teenager to Manchester.

And although his first goal was only scored in a friendly, he is showing the quality that can't be ignored.

Orozco made only five senior appearances for Fortaleza before making the move to England, with his most recent competitive outing coming in May in a Copa Colombia draw against Cucuta Deportivo.

He therefore has plenty to learn about the demands of senior football but he is making quick strides with quality he has also shown at international level.

United's plan is understood to be a patient one, allowing Orozco to adapt to English football and develop physically and tactically before making the jump to the first team.

But if he continues to do so well then there is no reason why he shouldn't be given a chance in the first team.

Orozco has earned a reputation in Colombia as a tenacious defensive midfielder with an ability to cover ground, win possession and move the ball forward.

He also captained Colombia at Under-17 level, highlighting the responsibility he has already been trusted with despite his age.

At United, his versatility in midfield could become particularly valuable.

The club have invested in the position this summer, with Andrey Santos arriving from Chelsea before Youri Tielemans joined from Aston Villa after United triggered his £35million release clause.

And so there is competition for places in midfield and Orozco would have to prove he is good enough for a place.

Orozco played against Altrincham last week and showed good touches and movement as he adapts to life in England.

Now scoring against Villa is another step but it is unlikely at this stage that the club will be carried away and the plan will remain that he plays the season with the U21s.

Orozco needs minutes, experience and time to adapt. United clearly see significant potential in the Colombia Under-17 captain.

If he can impress with the U21s then his chances in the first team will come sooner rather than later.