​Overhauling the midfield remains Manchester United’s top priority, spanning both the senior team and the academy. United appear to be juggling several deals at once as they push ahead with multiple signings. An agreement with Chelsea to sign Andrey Santos is already in place. The Brazilian midfielder has completed his medical and is set to join pre-season training, with his arrival expected to be officially announced soon. Santos will not be the only South American addition unveiled in the near future, as United look to broaden their recruitment.
According to The Daily Express, Manchester United are poised to announce the signing of Cristian Orozco next week. It is claimed that United will formally confirm Orozco’s arrival once his transfer is finalized, after which the 17-year-old will join the Under-21s. The Colombian talent turns 18 on Monday, at which point he can be officially registered as a United player, and he has already arrived in England. The Premier League giants had previously reached an agreement in principle with Fortaleza CEIF for his signature last year. He is said to have been welcomed to Manchester in December and given tours of Carrington and Old Trafford. The highly rated defensive midfielder played a pivotal role in helping Colombia reach the final of the Under-17 South American Championship last year.
The report adds that Orozco arrives at Old Trafford with a profile comparable to Sekou Kone, who moved to United from Malian club Guidars FC for around £1 million in 2024. In other transfer news, United have decided against signing Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta despite an initial agreement reported at £39 million in June. Fabrizio Romano noted that Ederson has already left England after being informed that United would not proceed with the deal. There is a degree of disappointment on the player’s side, as he had harbored a dream of playing for Manchester United. It is believed that United’s recruitment team were not satisfied with the results of Ederson’s medical examination.
This is a period of intense activity for United, as they seek to strengthen both their first team and their developmental pathways, with a focus on adding depth and talent to the midfield landscape for the seasons ahead.