Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 28 November 2025 9:42, UK

Manchester United have agreed a fee to sign midfielder Cristian Orozco amid excited comparisons to Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea are set to offer Caicedo a new deal, with the midfielder in spectacular form for the Blues this season.

The Red Devils will still be burning on the Ecuador international, who decision-makers at Old Trafford decided against signing from Independiente del Valle in 2021.

Caicedo is leading Europe in defensive stats this season, and Manchester United could have had him for just £5.5million before he signed for Brighton instead.

Manchester United’s move for Orozco is a sign of a return to the South American market, with the Red Devils keen to avoid making the same mistake again.

Manchester United close in on Cristian Orozco

Ruben Amorim is keen to bolster his midfield options for the foreseeable future at Manchester United, particularly at the base.

Manuel Ugarte arrived at Old Trafford in 2024 but has struggled to establish himself, making several key mistakes in his first season.

And Casemiro is unlikely to stay at Manchester United past this season, with the 33-year-old’s time at the top level slowly coming to an end.

Amorim appears to be looking for a younger, energetic option, but has shown a reluctance to use Kobbie Mainoo this season. The midfielder, although unlikely to play at the base of the midfield, has enjoyed just 170 minutes of action in the Premier League this season.

Instead, Manchester United are close to completing the signing of Orozco, who is set to arrive in the Premier League next June.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday that the Red Devils have agreed a deal worth around £750,000 with Fortaleza to sign the 17-year-old, who will complete his move in the coming days.

Orozco attracts Moises Caicedo comparisons

Orozco, 17, has drawn comparisons to Chelsea midfielder Caicedo due to his energetic and aggressive style of defending.

The youngster can often be seen harassing his opponents with relentless pressing, using his physical frame to bully his opposition off the ball.

When in possession, Orozco has the ability to dribble out of the press, capitalising on his low centre of gravity to flick or turn away

The captain of Colombia’s Under-17 team, the midfielder has been ever-present for his nation in recent months, and has attracted huge excitement in his home nation.

Orozco will arrive at Manchester United as a raw talent, as Caicedo did at Brighton, but the midfielder appears to have all of the right tools to become a player just as sought after as the 24-year-old.