Manchester United may have a future star on their hands. His name is Cristian Orozco, ‘leader of a new generation’ in Colombia.
That’s according to El Espectador. They cover the midfielder today and how he is ‘pulling the strings’ for the national team. Orozco is currently with the U-17 team at the World Cup in Qatar.
Orozco is the ‘captain of a generation’ who wants to make history with his side. He is described as a player who ‘leads with grit’. Indeed, that’s a word he defines himself with. And presumably why Manchester United have already signed the 17-year-old up.
El Espectador provide more details from there. They Orozco has ‘excellent ball control’, helps the team build from the back and is adept at recovering it as well. His role model is Crystal Palace’s Jefferson Lerma.
He was already the team leader at the South American Championship this year, where he demonstrated his leadership skills daily. He was also a key player in the team that went to the final, where they were beaten by Brazil on penalties. Now he’s eyeing up glory in the U-19 World Cup in Qatar.
Manchester United have a gem on their hands
The Colombian newspaper shower Orozco with praise: ‘Orozco leads not only with the ball but also with his attitude. The rhythm of the game flows through him. He’s the first to press the opponent and understands the game, knowing when to play short and when to play long.’
Manchester United are likely to be watching. They’ve snapped him up for $1m and consider him a ‘bet for the future’. It’s unknown if the plan is for him to join the youth sides when he turns 18 or if he’ll head straight into the first team. Either way, the expectation at Old Trafford is said to be ‘enormous’ ahead of his arrival.
For now, the focus is on this tournament and continuing to develop. But all indications are that Manchester United may have a gem on their hands.
