Manchester United reportedly secures two young prospects! A Colombian defensive midfielder is lined up, and the African talent trial continues under the new ownership.

Over the past few seasons, numerous academy players have exited Manchester United. Mason Greenwood, McTominay, Elanga, Garnacho, and Alvaro Fernandez Carreras have been sold permanently, Rashford has been loaned out multiple times, and Kobe Meno may leave as well. Yet, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the owner, still bets on youth, hoping to bring in a new batch of youngsters. It is reported that United is about to sign two 17-year-old players.

Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra has stated that Cristian Orozco is close to signing with Manchester United. Sierra was the first to report Luis Diaz’s transfer from Porto to Liverpool in 2022. This time, he claims that United has agreed on terms with Orozco.

It is said that Manchester United’s transfer team has reached a preliminary agreement with Orozco’s current club, Fortaleza CEIF in Colombia. The club has agreed to sell him to United, but the transfer will only be completed next year since Orozco will only turn 18 on July 13, 2026, which is the minimum age for international transfers.

Orozco mainly plays as a defensive midfielder. Although he has yet to make his professional debut, he has performed impressively in Colombia’s youth national teams. He captained the Colombia U17 team and led them to the final of last spring’s U17 South American Championship.

Orozco’s transfer approach is similar to that of Diego León, who has already joined the Red Devils. León signed at 17 last year but stayed at Cerro Porteño to continue playing. After turning 18 this year, his £7 million transfer was finalized. The Paraguayan U20 international participated in Manchester United’s US preseason tour and has been included twice in matchday squads this season.

Meanwhile, Manchester United is also set to sign the African youngster Mouhamed Dabo. This midfielder has been training with the club’s under-18s at Carrington in recent weeks and has earned praise from the coaching staff.

According to "Africafoot," Dabo is about to sign with the Red Devils. However, Barcelona could still enter the race, as Dabo previously trialed at La Masia for a month and reportedly impressed there as well. If both giants offer contracts, Dabo will choose which club to join.

Though only 17, Dabo is said to possess excellent technical skills and maturity. He is also captain of Senegal’s U17 national team, known for his tactical intelligence, refined technique, and precise positioning, enabling him to control the game's tempo.

If he joins Manchester United, Dabo will be the second African midfield prodigy to join since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over nearly two years ago. The first was Malian player Segu Koné, who signed in summer 2024. United beat several clubs to secure this young talent, often compared to a new Yaya Touré or Essien. Last season, Koné made 14 appearances and scored twice for United’s U21s but has faced several injuries and has yet to debut for the senior team.

After acquiring Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe publicly expressed his desire to develop his own Mbappé, Bellingham, and Roy Keane, believing this approach smarter than buying established stars outright, showing his high hopes for the academy. However, with first-team coach Rúben Amorim under significant pressure for results, youth players may struggle to get many chances, especially as United now only competes in the Premier League and FA Cup this season.