Manchester United have always had an eye out for emerging talents from across the world. They have regularly lapped up fresh-faced teenagers from the South American market, many of whom have gone on to become household names.
The arrival of Christopher Vivell at the Theatre of Dreams last year has further strengthened the club’s quest to secure the best young talents in the business.
Vivell reportedly played a big role in securing the services of Benjamin Sesko this summer, with the Slovenian already regarded as one of the finest young strikers in the world.
Recent reports, interestingly, have suggested that the Red Devils have found their next target in Cristian Orozco. The young Colombian defensive midfielder has caught the eye with Fortaleza CEIF and the Premier League giants have reportedly agreed a deal to sign the player once he turns 18 in July next year.
Huge impact at Fortaleza
Orozco only joined Fortaleza this summer from Rojo FC, but such was his impact in this short time that United have now come calling.
The news of the English giants’ pursuit of the teenage sensation has sent the football circuit in South America into a frenzy. The impending move has been assessed and dissected by the local media at length.
Some reports have even claimed that Orozco has an aggressive personality.
However, two of the Colombian starlet’s former coaches have now shed light on his abilities.
Glowing reviews from former coaches
Colombian news outlet El Colombiano recently reached out to Campo Elías Santacruz, who worked with Orozco at Rojo FC, to enquire about the young player. Santacruz insisted that everyone at Rojo FC was very happy with Orozco’s efforts.
“With his character and playing style, he established himself in the U15 and U17 teams. Despite being so young, he always showed leadership in practice,” said Santacruz.
“He trained hard and, on and off the field, acted like a young man with experience. His teammates helped him grow, and today we can say he’s a great human being.”
Former Colombia defender Álvaro Escobar, who trained Orozco for the Under-15 team, told El Colombiano that he was happy that the player could be on his way to Old Trafford. He said: “He has a positive leadership style that has allowed him to be captain of the Colombian national team.”
“He expresses himself well and is receptive. He doesn’t get upset when corrected. It’s a pleasure to coach him. I was very happy when I found out he could go to Manchester United.”
Orozco is also the captain of the Colombia Under-17 team.
Featured image Christopher Furlong via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
