Manchester United are preparing for next season’s potential in European football with a shrewd summer signing
Cristian Orozco set to join United (Image: Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Manchester United have already finalized an initial deal with Cristian Orozco, with further signings expected in the summer transfer window. Since Michael Carrick took over, United have made a turnaround in 2026, winning seven of their 10 games during his tenure and losing just once.
Strong results against Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham have led to calls for the former club captain to take over the role permanently. However, with no official announcement yet and the summer fast approaching, United have shifted their focus to future signings.
Orozco is set to join as a highly-rated defensive midfielder to boost his academy ranks. United have reached a provisional agreement to secure the 17-year-old Colombian player’s contract with his current club, Fortaleza CEIF.
However, the deal cannot be finalized until Orozco turns 18 and is eligible to move to Old Trafford.
Follow Man United’s FB page! Keep up with the latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
read more: Manchester United are set to have eight players leave this summer, giving their new manager a £100m head start.read more: Manchester United star charged with inappropriate behavior, could face extended suspension
A transfer fee of approximately 750,000 pounds (approximately $1 million) has been agreed, underscoring his potential to develop into a future star rather than an immediate replacement for a departing player. Orozco is unlikely to be United’s only summer signing, with the club also poised to bring in reinforcements to their first-team squad.
The Manchester Evening News reports that United are targeting a young left-back and left-winger and are in the process of signing at least two midfielders.
Elliott Anderson has caught the eye of United (Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson has impressed recently and established himself as a key figure in Thomas Tuchel’s England setup, attracting interest from both United and City. Forest have reportedly offered the 23-year-old a valuation of £80m, with Forest admitting his main focus this summer is to represent his country.
Anderson said: “Obviously we have the World Cup this summer, so all my eyes are on the World Cup and playing for England. Of course I’m wearing the badge, so that’s what I’m thinking about right now.”
Despite Forest battling relegation this season, the midfielder has received considerable praise for his performances at the City Ground.
United are also interested in the Magpies duo (Image: JOHN THYS / AFP via Getty Images)
As well as Anderson, Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães are two other stars United have been linked with. With Casemiro leaving in the summer and Manuel Ugarte facing an uncertain future in Manchester, the club are looking for solid reinforcements in the middle of the park alongside Bruno Fernandes and Koby Mainu.
Tonali’s contract at Newcastle runs until 2029 and Chronicle Live suggests the club are relaxed about his future at St James’ Park. But chief executive David Hopkinson admitted the club needs to reopen “on our terms” this summer as it strives for “maximum value” for its star players.
Italian international Giuseppe Rizzo has frankly admitted the possibility of a future transfer. United are one of several clubs interested in Tonali, and there are also rumors of a link with his 25-year-old teammate Guimarães.
Miles Lewis-Skelly’s struggles at Arsenal are also attracting attention (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Sky Sports News reports that Arsenal’s Miles Lewis-Skelly is also on United’s summer wishlist. The left-back has impressed since making his senior debut in north London and could be seen as a youthful successor to veteran Luke Shaw.
The 19-year-old only signed a new five-year contract last year, but has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal. Loan player Piero Hincapie has emerged as first choice this season, with Riccardo Calafioli also being prioritized over the teenager.
With a number of interesting transfers potentially on the cards, United will have a difficult task ahead of them if they are to secure a smart deal to bring their new manager into the spotlight at Old Trafford.
Get £250 when you switch to Virgin Media’s sports package
From £52.99
virgin media
Get the deal here
Virgin Media is paying new customers up to £250 in bill credits when they switch to one of its TV and broadband packages. These packages are packed with hundreds of channels, including Sky Sports, Netflix and fiber broadband.
