Diego Leon Set for Pre-Season Opportunity to Impress Manchester United Coach

Diego Leon, who joined Manchester United from Cerro Porteno, is preparing for a crucial pre-season where he hopes to catch the attention of head coach Michael Carrick.

After making four appearances early last season under former coach Ruben Amorim, the 19-year-old left-back spent most of the campaign playing for the club’s Under-21 side, featuring in 20 matches and scoring a notable goal against Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite initial expectations that he would make a significant impact, Leon’s progress was limited to youth fixtures, with a loan move in January rejected to allow him more time to develop at the club.

Under-21 Experience and Development

Leon’s season with the Under-21s served as a period of adaptation to English football, with the club opting for a patient approach to his growth. The decision to keep him with the youth squad was intended to help him improve various aspects of his game before considering a loan move.

According to The Manchester Evening News, Leon will now be included in Manchester United’s pre-season tour, providing him with a platform to demonstrate his readiness for first-team football and compete for a role as a potential successor to Luke Shaw.

Pre-Season Trial and Future Prospects

Should Leon fail to secure a place in the senior squad during pre-season, the club is expected to consider sending him out on loan for the 2026/2027 season, following a similar path taken by Harry Amass last summer.

With transfer efforts for Nathaniel Brown and Lewis Hall encountering difficulties, both Amass and Leon have an opening to impress Carrick and stake a claim for inclusion in the first team.

Manchester United remains optimistic about Leon’s potential, maintaining a patient stance as they evaluate his development and readiness for senior-level competition.

Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images