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New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Man Utd's plans for young players including Leon, Amass, Collyer and Kukonki
It was quite the statement of intent. Diego Leon had not even passed through security at Asuncion's Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, let alone landed in Manchester. 'Everyone thinks I'll go out on loan, but I don't have that mindset,' he told Paraguayan outlet Versus. 'I'm going to kill it in pre-season and within one or two games, I'll already be playing with them.' Advertisement He was certainly right about one thing: a loan is not part of the plan. Manchester United's second summer signing — albeit one where the deal was agreed in January — is expected to stay put for the duration of the coming season, to help him acclimatise to English football. Now finally at Carrington, 18-year-old Leon has been taking part in first-team training sessions exclusively over the past week and a half as head coach Ruben Amorim and his staff assess his level. Whether he remains part of the senior side's training programme or joins the under-21s is still to be decided. Either way, the young South American will have opportunities to impress on the upcoming pre-season tour to Sweden and the United States, and will then likely play at least a few games for the under-21s on his return. There is a chance he could progress quickly from there, but Leon faces the same challenge as every other young player at the club hoping to break through in the new season. Failure to qualify for European competition for the first time in more than a decade means that there will be fewer first-team level opportunities to go around at United in 2025-26. After playing 60 matches across five competitions last season, that figure could fall by a third if Amorim's side go out of the domestic cups at the first hurdle. One who benefited from Amorim having to balance resources between domestic and European fixtures in the previous campaign's final weeks was Harry Amass, also 18 and a direct rival to Leon as left wing-back cover. Amass is currently thought to be ahead of the newcomer in the pecking order for that position, which was not necessarily a given in January, but is only to be expected given the 17-year-old made four starts towards the end of last season and rarely looked out of place. There is still a possibility that Amass goes out on loan, however, if it transpires his playing time is likely to be limited as a result of Leon's arrival. Amorim has two talented youngsters to provide cover for first-choice Patrick Dorgu, as well as Luke Shaw's experience if required. Toby Collyer is another who may need more minutes than he can realistically expect at United in the coming season, having risen to prominence and established himself as a first-team squad member during last summer's tour. Advertisement Collyer, who turned 21 on January 3, can still just about be considered a youngster — had he been born three days earlier, he would not meet the Premier League's definition of an under-21 player this season. Options remain open as to whether he will stay, be sold or leave on loan. Other youngsters are more established as depth options for Amorim. Ayden Heaven, 18, was trailed as a first-team level signing upon his arrival in January anyway, and would have made more than his six appearances if not for a March ankle ligament injury. Chido Obi, 17, can also expect more opportunities, as his change of squad number from 56 to 32 reflects. Although it is common for young players to move to a different shirt during the summer as a new intake comes through in lower age groups, a rise into the mid-30s is not insignificant. Obi may occasionally appear for the under-21s this season, depending on his level of first-team involvement, but is expected to be a regular name in Amorim's squads, and at 17 he can be considered a first-team squad member. After scoring his first senior goals against Hong Kong on the end-of-season tour in May, it has been noted at Carrington that the Denmark Under-21 international has added a touch more bulk to his 6ft 2in (188cm) frame over the summer, which could further help his transition to senior men's football. Tyler Fredricson has been rewarded with a change of shirt number too — 55 to 33 — and has also trained with the first team regularly this past week. A loan cannot be entirely ruled out for the 20-year-old, especially on the off-chance United were to add to their centre-back options this summer, but he has shown he can provide emergency cover after an accomplished debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers in April. At the same time, there is a greater impetus this summer to help those youngsters unlikely to break through into the United first team start their careers away from Carrington — in the three divisions of the EFL and elsewhere. Advertisement Academy staff are consulting with players and their representatives. In some cases, the club are willing to take low fees, or none, with add-ons attached to facilitate exits and free up space for younger talents coming through from the academy. Some with senior debuts to their name are likely to secure moves away. Dan Gore was injured in his very first game for Rotherham United after they borrowed him in January and only made three appearances in all, but the League One club are now leading the race to take the 20-year-old on loan again. Ethan Wheatley, 19, will hope for a more productive spell away after a frustrating time at Walsall ended with him making only four appearances in their League Two campaign. Another loan is the likeliest outcome, though United may be open to a sale if they receive a suitable offer. Sekou Kone, meanwhile, is still waiting to make his senior debut. The 19-year-old midfielder is considered part of United's 'emerging talent' group — young players signed with a view to quickly progressing towards the first team. You may have noticed the same phrase appearing in the announcements confirming the signings of Leon and Enzo Kana-Biyik, the 18-year-old striker who joined last week from Le Havre of France as a free agent, and will spend the coming season on loan at Switzerland's Lausanne-Sport. As with Leon, Kone's level is currently being assessed before a decision is made on whether he is ready to contribute more often at first-team level. A loan or another season spent predominantly with United's under-21s are both still options. In goal, Andre Onana's recent injury has raised the question of whether Radek Vitek, 21, who enjoyed a solid loan spell at Austrian side Blau-Weiss Linz last season, or under-21s goalkeeper Elyh Harrison, 19, would be ready to deputise during pre-season. But United are well stocked for backups in Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton and 22-year-old Dermot Mee, with the latter now serving as a first-team training goalkeeper. Onana will still go on the three-game U.S. tour despite his injury, which may leave only one spot open to either Vitek or Harrison. Advertisement Shea Lacey, 18, ended a frustrating year by catching the eye on that post-season tour and has trained with the first team since returning to Carrington. After his injury issues, he is likely to stay to gain more experience at under-21 level rather than go out on loan. His fellow winger Bendito Mantato is another to have been in with the first-team squad several times over the past week. Although only a second-year scholar and therefore still eligible for the under-18s, the 17-year-old is expected to build on his five appearances for the under-21s to date. It is a similar story for Godwill Kukonki, who at 17 is set to sign his first professional contract with United and featured in several of Amorim's squads last term. More minutes at centre-half are required for a 6ft 4in, left-footed defender who played many of his under-18s games at left-back. As some step up to play more under-21s football, a new intake comes in at under-18 level. One of the 'Class of 2025' is Jayden Ngwashi, a 16-year-old centre-back who attracted interest from a range of clubs before committing to a further scholarship with United this summer. Then there is JJ Gabriel, who scored three goals in three appearances for the under-18s last season despite still only being 14 years old. United are understandably conscious of managing the attention around a player so young, while also needing to test him among older players in environments that challenge and push his development. That careful balancing act is set to go on for a while yet, after Gabriel committed to remaining a United player for the foreseeable future. The next challenge will be keeping him beyond his 16th birthday, when clubs in Europe will be able to come to the negotiating table, and efforts at Carrington to keep a promising talent in the building will be redoubled. At least when trying to convince any young player that they are the right club for their development, only United can say they have had an academy graduate in the matchday squad for every game they've played since October 1937. Advertisement Because even in seasons like the one beginning at Old Trafford against Arsenal a month from today, when fewer first-team fixtures could mean a narrower pathway, the same logic that has been in place for 88 years still applies: if a youngster is good enough, they will get their chance.
The Sun
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Man Utd transfer news LIVE: United eye SHOCK Calvert-Lewin move, new signing ANNOUNCED, Watkins interest, Mbeumo latest
Man Utd signing speaks out Diego Leon has spoken for the first time since becoming a Man Utd player. The 18-year-old defender has been signed from Cerro Porteno in a deal that could rise to £7m. Leon wrote on Instagram: "First of all, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to defend such a great badge as Manchester United. "I promise to give my best every day, in training, on the pitch, and off it. Thank you to the club for the trust and to my family for always being by my side. "I hope to bring a lot of joy to all the Manchester United fans and everyone who supports me on this journey. One more goal achieved. "From Paraguay to the world. Let's go, Red Devils!"
BBC News
05-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Teen whose role model is Marcelo - Leon joins Man Utd
"Left-back wanted," was the message in ABC Color, Paraguay's most-read Manolo Jimenez had been left without much of a choice as he prepared his Cerro Porteno side to face Sportivo Ameliano in Paraguay's top flight in early lost both senior left-backs through injury, Jimenez was left with a dilemma - play right-back Victor Cabanas in the position or hand 17-year-old novice Diego Leon his senior a few months earlier, Leon was an unknown featuring for Cerro's Under-17 Jimenez opted to go with the teenager against Ameliano and his boldness was rewarded as the youngster secured a 1-0 win with a powerful scored again a week later and impressed so much that he was named player of the month by the coaches' association."This is what every kid dreams of. I invite you all to dream. I'm a dreamer," he said. That dream has now taken Leon to the 'Theatre of the Dreams', after the deal - which was agreed in January - was completed by Manchester United., externalAnd, while his first-team breakthrough may not be immediate, there are plenty who believe he can make a huge impact at Old Trafford."He's a left-back like no other in the world, the kind that's rare to find," said Cerro president Juan Jose seems little doubt about Leon's quick and fearless with the ball at his feet, he caused such an impact with Cerro's first team that Jimenez had to ask European sides to leave him alone, with Arsenal and Manchester City also approaching he was convinced by United's long-term vision and their determination to secure full-back will now follow in the footsteps of Diego Gavilan, the first Paraguayan to play in the Premier League. Like Leon, he was a Cerro product and left the team for Newcastle United in 2000."Things have happened very quickly for him," Gavilan, who coached the club's senior and youth teams, told BBC Sport."But at 17, there's still plenty for Leon to learn, improve, and refine. It's going to be a massive change for him, moving to a different country, a different continent. "Going from a country he's used to, with its own ways of life, language and culture, to adapting to the English way of thinking about football. A lot of things, right? "But I believe United know what they're getting and will give him time to settle in." 'He has tremendous potential and physical power' Leon has one immediate plan - and it does not involve a football pitch."The first thing he wants to do is build a house for our parents," revealed his eldest brother did not have it easy growing up in a humble family as the youngest of nine siblings in Juan Emilio O'Leary, a small city close to the borders with Brazil and not even that stopped him from pursuing his dream and packing his things for Cerro Porteno's academy in Paraguay's capital city Asuncion at the age of 12."I followed him during his time in the youth ranks at Cerro, back when I worked there as the coach for the Under-19s, Under-20s, Under-23s and later the first team," Gavilan recalled."He's a kid from the countryside with tremendous potential and great physical power. "He always stood out in every level he played at and perhaps more importantly he's someone who can also play in various roles."Leon spent his formative years as a left winger, so his attacking prowess is perhaps no surprise."He plays as a left-back, but he really enjoys getting forward, overlapping from his position to join the attack," said Hernan Acuna, Cerro's head of scouting."He initially joined the club as a winger, but due to necessity he was used as a left-back. "His attacking quality, being able to join offensive moves, does sometimes mean he neglects his defensive duties a little. "However, he is very effective when joining the offensive actions, particularly with his finishing ability." Marcelo is Leon's role model The defender was picked for most of Cerro Porteno's league games this year but played a very limited role in the side's progression to August's Copa Libertadores knockouts - an indication Manchester United are signing potential rather than a finished has benefited from working with Jimenez, a coach who had previously helped nurture talents such as Sergio Ramos, Jesus Navas and Jose Antonio Reyes at Sevilla."He was a player in development, but I saw his strength and quality, so I took the chance on him. Physically, he's a powerhouse," Jimenez, who now works at Apoel Nicosia in Cyprus, told Madrid newspaper has already admitted his role model for the position is former Real Madrid defender Marcelo."Diego has natural talent, but a long journey ahead, too. Hopefully, one day we can say he's had a career similar to Marcelo's - or perhaps one like [Patrice] Evra's at United," added progress will be watched closely both by United fans and by followers of South American football."His transfer is quite a unique case because usually players who leave the club are transferred to South American teams before eventually making their way to Europe," Acuna said."In the past, many teams, particularly from Spain, used to sign players directly from Cerro. Nowadays, we have this situation with Leon, who is signed directly by a Premier League club, just like what happened with Gavilan."There's also the case of Miguel Almiron, who first went to Argentina, then to the MLS, and from there to Newcastle. It's been a long time since a player was signed directly from Cerro to a Premier League club."
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Man United sign South American wonderkid, 18, as Ruben Amorim's second summer recruit
Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Paraguayan teenage sensation Diego Leon ahead of next week's pre-season training. United agreed a deal worth up to £7million to sign the 18-year-old defender from Cerro Porteno, making him the club's second signing of the summer after they brought Matheus Cunha over from Wolves for £62.5m last month. While Leon is determined to fight for his spot, it is expected that Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff will monitor him in pre-season before deciding whether to include him in the first-team squad or send him out on loan. We are delighted to announce the signing of defender Diego Leon, subject to registration. Welcome to United! 🇵🇾❤️🔥 — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 5, 2025
New York Times
05-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Manchester United complete signing of teenage defender Diego Leon
Manchester United have completed the signing of teenage full-back Diego Leon from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno. United secured the deal for the 18-year-old for a $4m fee with up to $5m in add-ons based on first team achievements, after completing a pre-contract deal in the winter window. Leon has played 33 games for Cerro, scoring 4 goals, after his senior debut in August 2024. Advertisement 'I'm really happy, I think every player dreams of this,' Leon told Versus ahead of moving to Manchester. '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.' United's plan is to assess Leon upon his arrival and while he is expected to spend time with the club's under-21 side, he could progress quickly. Leon has played for Paraguay up to under-20 level, making nine appearances. Analysis by Mark Critchley Leon's move was agreed in January but could only be completed following his 18th birthday. The Paraguay youth international is expected to join United's under-21 squad while he acclimatises to English football but could progress quickly if he settles in well. Previously something of a problem position, United are now well-stocked for left wing-options, with Leon competing alongside first-choice Patrick Dorgu and his fellow teenager Harry Amass. Luke Shaw is also capable of filling that key role in Amorim's system, though featured more as a left-sided centre-back once returning from injury late last season. Tyrell Malacia is expected to leave the club after he was one of five players whose return to training was delayed. Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho will also stay away from Carrington until later in July to find new clubs.
