Latest news with #HarryAmass
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Man Utd new boy Leon catches the eye in Leeds stalemate
Whisper it quietly but Manchester United may have found a little gem in young full-back Diego Leon. The club had already made some pretty significant decisions around the 18-year-old which indicated the recruitment department believe he has a prominent Old Trafford future, even before they opened their pre-season campaign with a 0-0 draw against newly-promoted Leeds. For a start, they invested to bring the Paraguay Under-20 international over from South America. Then they have given him a prized first-team shirt – number 30 – and thirdly, they have decided to let highly-rated English youngster Harry Amass leave the club on loan rather than let him compete with Leon for what is presumed to be the back-up left wing-back slot. Head coach Ruben Amorim opted to start the 18-year-old in Saturday's opening pre-season game against Leeds in Stockholm, with Matheus Cunha - a summer signing from Wolves - also appearing in a Manchester United shirt for the first time. And there were little signs that, with the right work ethic, a willingness to listen and enough motivation, Leon could be a very useful asset. The highlight came at the back end of the first half. A short pass to Chido Obi inside the penalty area was delivered with a delicate touch you would not normally expect of someone Leon's size. Goodness knows what he was like as a schoolboy in South America but he is already a solid unit. That might bring its own problems as he gets accustomed to the intensity of the Premier League and, even in this encounter, played in pleasant conditions despite the sun and mid-afternoon kick-off, Leon seemed to be catching his breath on a couple of occasions. Initially, he was caught out by overlapping runs from Willy Gnonto and Jayden Bogle. But he quickly worked out when danger might present itself and, with a bit of coaching from Luke Shaw, who was playing inside him as the left-sided central defender, he was not exposed in the same manner again. After Casemiro's deflected shot had bounced back off the top of the crossbar, Leon was confident enough to try and convert the rebound even though the angle was virtually impossible. It was no surprise he failed but the attitude bodes well for the future. Along with the rest of Amorim's starting line-up, the teenager was replaced at half-time in readiness for the three-match trip to the United States to play in the Premier League Summer Series. Barcelona open talks over Rashford deal Leeds agree £17m deal for Germany midfielder Stach Mbeumo 'proven quality' - but Man Utd still have striker dilemma Heaton and Meslier ensure goalless game Having praised one of the youngest players in United's squad, they had the oldest to thank for keeping Leeds out. Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton signed a one-year contract extension three weeks ago and, with Andre Onana injured, the 39-year-old is pushing Altay Bayindir for the interim first-choice role. And he caught the eye with three excellent second-half saves. Largie Ramazani was denied twice but the best was the first after Joel Piroe had set up Bogle. Interestingly for Leeds, while striker Patrick Bamford did not make the trip – and no explanation was offered before kick-off – Jack Harrison, who has spent the last two season on loan at Everton and is expected to move again, started. Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha were also given first starts by boss Daniel Farke, while fellow new signings Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sean Longstaff and Sebastiaan Bornauw came on after half-time - with actor Will Ferrell, an investor in Leeds, watching on from the stands. As news filtered through of Leeds having a £17m bid accepted by German club Hoffenheim for their midfielder Anton Stach, it is clear Farke, like Amorim, can expect plenty of improvement from his side before their return to the top flight against Everton on 18 August. Manchester United finished on top. Illan Meslier got down low to deny Patrick Dorgu and amid a frenetic ending Kobbie Mainoo hit the bar before the Leeds goalkeeper denied Ayden Heaven. Latest Manchester United news, analysis and fan views Get Man Utd news notifications
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Man Utd new boy Leon catches the eye in Leeds stalemate
Whisper it quietly but Manchester United may have found a little gem in young full-back Diego club had already made some pretty significant decisions around the 18-year-old which indicated the recruitment department believe he has a prominent Old Trafford future, even before they opened their pre-season campaign with a 0-0 draw against newly-promoted a start, they invested to bring the Paraguay Under-20 international over from South America. Then they have given him a prized first-team shirt – number 30 – and thirdly, they have decided to let highly-rated English youngster Harry Amass leave the club on loan rather than let him compete with Leon for what is presumed to be the back-up left wing-back coach Ruben Amorim opted to start the 18-year-old in Saturday's opening pre-season game against Leeds in there were little signs that, with the right work ethic, a willingness to listen and enough motivation, Leon could be a very useful asset. The highlight came at the back end of the first half. A short pass to Chido Obi inside the penalty area was delivered with a delicate touch you would not normally expect of someone Leon's knows what he was like as a schoolboy in South America but he is already a solid might bring its own problems as he gets accustomed to the intensity of the Premier League and, even in this encounter, played in pleasant conditions despite the sun and mid-afternoon kick-off, Leon seemed to be catching his breath on a couple of he was caught out by overlapping runs from Willy Gnonto and Jayden Bogle. But he quickly worked out when danger might present itself and, with a bit of coaching from Luke Shaw, who was playing inside him as the left-sided central defender, he was not exposed in the same manner Casemiro's deflected shot had bounced back off the top of the crossbar, Leon was confident enough to try and convert the rebound even though the angle was virtually was no surprise he failed but the attitude bodes well for the with the rest of Amorim's starting line-up, the teenager was replaced at half-time in readiness for the three-match trip to the United States to play in the Premier League Summer Series. Heaton and Meslier ensure goalless game Having praised one of the youngest players in United's squad, they had the oldest to thank for keeping Leeds goalkeeper Tom Heaton signed a one-year contract extension three weeks ago and, with Andre Onana injured, the 39-year-old is pushing Altay Bayindir for the interim first-choice he caught the eye with three excellent second-half Ramazani was denied twice but the best was the first after Joel Piroe had set up for Leeds, while striker Patrick Bamford did not make the trip – and no explanation was offered before kick-off – Jack Harrison, who has spent the last two season on loan at Everton and is expected to move again, news filtered through of Leeds having a £17m bid accepted by German club Hoffenheim for their midfielder Anton Stach, it is clear manager Daniel Farke, like Amorim, can expect plenty of improvement from his side before their return to the top flight against Everton on 18 United finished on top. Illan Meslier got down low to deny Patrick Dorgu and amid a frenetic ending Kobbie Mainoo hit the bar before the Leeds goalkeeper denied Ayden Heaven.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Man Utd youngster Amass to go out on loan
Young Manchester United defender Harry Amass will go out on loan to further his development this 18-year-old made seven first-team appearances last season, including four Premier League starts, after making his debut under Ruben Amorim in also played in both games on United's post-season tour of Amass will not be involved in Saturday's pre-season encounter with Leeds in Stockholm on Saturday or the three-match trip to the United States, which Amorim and his players leave for on impressed many observers in the United States last summer, when he caught the eye during pre-season, which included an encouraging display up against Liverpool's Mohamed Salah in South he was surprisingly overlooked by then-boss Erik ten Hag, who felt the youngster lacked the strength to make an impact in the Premier League even though his side were badly affected by injury on the left side of arrival of Paraguay Under-20 international Diego Leon earlier this month has increased competition for the role of back-up left-sided decision has been taken internally at United for Amass to try to get valuable experience by pushing to play first-team football every week, which would not have been the case had he remained at Old Leon will be involved in the US tour, United do not view the Amass situation in a negative light and he remains highly thought of at the is understood there has been plenty of interest in the England youth international but no deal is imminent.
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.
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Man United's newest star vows to fight for first-team spot - as he promises to 'KILL IT' in pre-season training and impress Ruben Amorim
Manchester United 's new signing Diego Leon has vowed to fight for a first-team place when he joins the club for pre-season training. The teenage left back from Paraguay is due to land in Manchester this week after United agreed a deal worth up to £7million with his club Cerro Porteno, and is determined to force his way into Ruben Amorim 's side rather than going out on loan. 'I'm really happy, I think every player dreams of this,' Leon told Paraguayan media. '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 players are due to report back for pre-season training at Carrington on Monday. After two weeks of fitness work, United face Leeds in Stockholm on July 19 before going on tour to the US where they play West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton in the Premier League Summer Series. The final game is against Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9. It's expected that Amorim and his coaching staff will monitor Leon in pre-season before deciding whether to include him in the first-team squad or send him out on loan. The teenager will be up against Patrick Dorgu and Harry Amass for the left wing back position in Amorim's 3-4-3 system. Luke Shaw also recovered from a long-term hamstring injury before the end of last season but was used predominantly as a left-sided centre-back. In January, United and Cerro Porteno agreed a fee of £3.3m which could rise to £7m with add-ons, but the deal could not be completed until Leon turned 18 in April and travelled to Manchester to undergo a medical. The player, who is understood to have a thrown a farewell party for family and friends in Paraguay at the weekend, has agreed a five-year contract with the option of another year.
