Diego León sets sights on Manchester United breakthrough | OneFootball

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.”

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.”

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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