'Always showed' - Coach tells Manchester United key trait new midfield signing will give them as deal agreed

Manchester United fans can start to get excited after it was revealed they have agreed a deal to sign Cristian Orozco next year.

The 17-year-old central midfielder plays for Colombian club Fortaleza FC and is also the captain of his country at U17s level. He has represented his country nine times at that age group and worn the captain's armband in every appearance.

Due to the fact he is still only 17, Orozco will not be able to complete a move to England until he turns 18 on 13 July next year. However, United have still been able to reach a pre-transfer agreement, just as they did when they signed Diego Leon from Cerro Porteño in the summer after they agreed to sign him six months earlier.

United fans can be excused for not knowing too much about their latest signing, though they could get a chance to watch him in action when he captains Colombia at the U17 World Cup in November. The news of a deal for the defensive midfielder has dominated media coverage in South America, and two of his former coaches have told United exactly what to expect from their new man.

An article from Colombia's leading newspaper, El Colombiano, carried quotes from two of his former coaches who both praised Orozco for his 'leadership' skills. His former coach at Rojo FC, Campo Elías Santacruz said: “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. 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."

Those thoughts were echoed by former Colombia defender Álvaro Escobar, who worked with Orozco in the national set-up and also oversaw individual sessions with him. “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.”

The deal for Orozco comes at a time when United are aiming to become more proactive with their international scouting and explore untapped markets that represent better value for money. There is a hope that by acting quickly, United can secure potential future stars for much smaller fees than if they had to buy them from another European club further down the line.

Midfielder signs, new keeper: Manchester United line up next year with new transfer priorities