Manchester United youngster Diego León is determined to stake a claim for first-team minutes in pre-season, rejecting suggestions he is bound for a loan spell.
The 18-year-old Paraguayan, signed on a pre-contract from Cerro Porteño in January, will link up with the squad this month as preparations for the 2025–26 campaign begin under new manager Rúben Amorim.
León arrives with confidence and intent, outlining his ambition in a recent interview. “Everyone thinks I’ll go out on loan, but I don’t have that mindset,” he said. “I’m going to kill it in pre-season and within one or two games, I’ll already be playing with them.”
Diego León, antes de viajar a Inglaterra para sumarse al Manchester United:
"Todos piensan que voy a salir a préstamo, pero yo no tengo esa mentalidad. La voy a romper en la pretemporada y, dentro de uno o dos partidos, ya voy a estar jugando con ellos".
👏🏻🇵🇾 Vía: @cuevasmati pic.twitter.com/bx8lzQQTU7
— Señor Fútbol Py (@SrFutbolPy) July 1, 2025
While United are expected to initially assess León with the under-21 squad, the left-sided defender is aiming higher. The teenager has already made 42 senior appearances in Paraguay and featured for the national side at under-20 level.
An official announcement from United confirming León’s arrival could be made this week. He is expected to be part of the group that travels for a series of high-profile pre-season fixtures.
The club’s pre-season campaign kicks off against Leeds United on 19 July before matches in the Premier League’s Summer Series in the United States. Amorim’s side will face West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton before concluding against Fiorentina on 9 August.
León’s arrival adds competition to a position already undergoing transition. Patrick Dorgu, signed from Lecce in January, impressed as first-choice left wing-back late last term. Harry Amass was also handed minutes, while Luke Shaw featured mainly on the left of a back three.
Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system requires dynamic wing-backs, and León’s aggressive style could suit the role if he adjusts swiftly to the pace of English football.
Speaking to Versus, León described the move as a dream. “When you’re a professional, you have to adapt quickly. It is a massive opportunity.”
"Muy feliz, cada jugador sueña con esto…" 🤩 🙌🏻
Diego León y sus primeras impresiones antes del viaje a Inglaterra, el jugador buscará adaptarse al clima, idioma y al fútbol de ese país.
"Tengo la mentalidad que la voy a romper en la pretemporada"
¡Con todo que, mita'i! 💪🏻… pic.twitter.com/ImtcQ4j89y
— Versus (@SomosVersusPY) July 1, 2025
The teenager also has eyes on the Paraguay senior squad, targeting a breakthrough during the September international break. “It’s a goal for me to be called up soon,” he said.
His confidence and experience, combined with United’s youth-focused approach under Amorim, could see him progress quickly if he impresses early.
For now, León must prove he belongs at Carrington—first among United’s academy ranks, and then in Amorim’s first-team plans.
Featured image: Michael Regan via Getty Images
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