Early Impressions of Diego Leon: One to Watch This Preseason

Manchester United’s decision to bring in Paraguayan U20 international Diego Leon is already starting to make sense, even after just 45 minutes of preseason action.

The club made a clear statement by investing in the 18 year old’s arrival from South America, assigning him the number 30 shirt, and potentially positioning him as the backup left wing-back. Highly rated youngster Harry Amass remains at the club for now, but with a loan move looking increasingly likely, it suggests United are open to giving Leon room to grow in that role.

Rúben Amorim handed Leon a starting spot in United’s 0-0 friendly against Leeds in Stockholm yesterday, a game that also featured a first appearance for new signing Matheus Cunha. While it’s early days and you can’t take too much from a single half of football in preseason, Leon looked solid. He had some nice touches, showed promising link up play down the left hand side and was physical in his duels. It was a smart game to throw him into, giving him a chance to settle into the system and get a feel for his new teammates.

What really stood out was his physical maturity. He’s noticeably well-built for his age, something I hadn’t fully appreciated before, and that level of athleticism should help him adapt to the demands of English football more quickly.

Speaking to MUTV after the game Ruben Amorim claimed;

“He [Diego Leon] comes from Paraguay. It’s his second week in Manchester. He’s done well. He’s powerful, he’s learning, he will be a very good player.” 

Naturally, there’s still plenty of development ahead. He’s raw, but you can already see the potential. If he shows the right mentality, works hard, and learns the demands of the position for Amorim’s system, he could grow into a really useful option. Whether Amorim integrates him straight into the senior squad or rotates him between the U21s and first team remains to be seen. The next few preseason games should offer more clues.

It’s also worth noting that United haven’t had the best track record recently when it comes to retaining and integrating young talent into the senior squad. Unlike in previous eras, several promising academy graduates have slipped through the cracks. Players like Anthony Elanga and Álvaro Fernández have since gone on to show their quality elsewhere, highlighting a missed opportunity to develop and utilise them more effectively at Old Trafford. For now, Leon has certainly put himself on the radar and he’s one worth keeping tabs on.

Diego León vs. Leeds pic.twitter.com/2nZHX85xMz

— 曼联球迷 (@_Utdbaki) July 19, 2025