Diego Leon became a Manchester United player in January but was unable to make the move to Europe until the summer, and he now has designs on sealing a spot in Ruben Amorim’s first team
Diego Leon, Manchester United’s new signing, is eager to make a name for himself in pre-season. He has also confidently claimed he can cement a spot in Ruben Amorim’s squad for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign.
The teenage left-back signed for United in the January transfer window but due to his age, was unable to join his new club until the summer. Having turned 18 in April, Leon is set to arrive in England this week ahead of pre-season beginning next week.
Sources state that there’s still no concrete plan regarding Leon’s role in the first team for this season however. The United coaching staff are said to be planning to keep a close eye on him during training sessions before deciding on his future, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Despite being a newcomer to English football, Leon has already racked up 33 appearances in Paraguay with Cerro Porteno.
The youngster remains aware that the Premier League presents a whole new challenge, yet he remains optimistic about his contribution to United.
“I’m really happy, I think every player dreams of this,” the young defender said to Paraguayan press, as cited by the Daily Mail. “When you’re a professional, you have to adapt quickly, it is a massive opportunity.
“Everyone thinks I’ll go out on loan, but I don’t have that mindset. I’m going to kill it in pre-season and within one or two games, I’ll already be playing with them.”
Leon could potentially be a contender for the left flank this season. Patrick Dorgu is currently the preferred choice in that position, and while Luke Shaw is a mainstay at Old Trafford, his recent spate of injuries means United might find themselves short-handed if they don’t bring Leon into the first team.
Leon’sfirst opportunity to shine in a match will come on July 19 when the Reds head to Stockholm for a pre-season game against Leeds.
At the end of August, Leon is expected to jet back across the Atlantic to the United States for the Premier League Series, where they’ll face West Ham, AFC Bournemouth and Everton.
The Reds’ pre-season will then wrap up with a home game against Serie A team Fiorentina, just over a week before their inaugural Premier League match against Arsenal.
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Man United’s 2025/26 home kit
