New Mainoo is “officially” set to sign for Man Utd

As ever, Manchester United are at the heart of the summer transfer window, signings are yet to be made, but they are moving in a number of directions to push the Michael Carrick era forward.

Last year, everything was top of mind for Ruben Amorim’s team, who spent almost £200m on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. Work may be needed up top – highlighted by the interest of top players such as Eli Junior Kroupi and Julian Alvarez – but the focus is on the center of the park.

Casemiro has left Old Trafford as his contract has expired, and the Red Devils’ need for midfielders may be exacerbated by the alleged injury to Manuel Ugarte’s knee, which may keep him out of action for a year.

Kobbie Mainoo has risen again under Carrick’s wing, but it is clear that United need more quality and strength in midfield, so that Bruno Fernandes can continue to shine, so that Man United can continue to win.

Man United intend to check his health

The midfield market is overcrowded at the moment, with any of the Premier League’s top stars being targeted by outfits across the board.

United are no different, and while they have pulled out of the race for Manchester City-bound Elliot Anderson, they are expected to sign Ederson and West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes is high on United’s shortlist to strengthen after that, with Jason Wilcox and other decision-makers ready to battle Tottenham for his signature.

Sandro Tonali’s name has been mentioned again, and if we can say anything with absolute certainty, the Red Devils are chasing a top-class midfielder this summer.

However, shrewd signings will also support United in their climb to the top, and INEOS have also quietly worked to sign a young star prospect, someone who can stand up to the likes of Mainoo.

Well, according to journalist Pipe Sierra, Cristian Orozco is heading to Manchester on Sunday, he will undergo a medical examination and be “officially announced”.

Giuseppe Antonaccio, Man United’s chief scout, led the process, and will be there with Orozco at the signing.

The 17-year-old will link up with United’s U18s ahead of Germany’s pre-season, and with the deal “in place” from September 2025, INEOS have now put the finishing touches on a transfer that could provide Carrick with productive talent, someone who could emulate Mainoo in United’s midfield.

Why Orozco could be the new Kobbie Mainoo

Mainoo is Manchester United’s most exciting talent, the Stockport star, who failed every time under Amorim but has been reborn with Carrick at the helm, in fact the manager said at the end of the 2025/26 season that he “shows this football club”.

Orozco is not coming to claim the title of young midfielder, but he can certainly compete with Mainoo in the middle of the park when he first arrives at the Theater of Dreams. The Colombian has actually been hailed as “the next Casemiro” by one commentator.

He may only be 17, but Orozco is already emerging as a real talent, with a natural physique and strength that could see him flourish in United’s centre.

Dethroning Mainoo as the club’s up-and-coming player will take some doing, but Orozco has the talent to do just that, carrying the perfection that has worked for Mainoo, the England star, in his development.

He has some learning to do, but Orozco may have all the qualities to develop into a world-class anchor at the heart of Old Trafford’s pitch. Given his natural athleticism, he may do it before he fully grows into his skin, thus emerging as a new Mainoo.

Player scout Antonio Mango also issued a glowing endorsement of the player’s ability, saying, “Orozco works as a defensive midfielder but more than that, he can play.” He is strong and versatile.

Whether he surpasses Mainoo remains to be seen, but the young Colombian has potential, and could be a real star under a manager at Carrick who has shown he is keen to inspire youngsters.