Diego Leon arrived at Man Utd last summer, but the defender did not make his debut in his first season at the club.
Before Diego Leon travelled to Manchester last summer, he spoke to local journalists at an airport in Paraguay, saying: “I’m going to kill it in the pre-season, and within one or two games, I’ll already be playing with them (the first team).”
You can’t succeed in any profession without backing yourself, but Leon’s bullish prediction did not come true at Manchester United this season.
Leon was unveiled alongside Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko last summer, but he played exclusively in academy fixtures, and most supporters will have forgotten he was signed.
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Leon’s first few months in Manchester were promising. He made a strong impression at Carrington and was handed a first-team squad number before the opening pre-season friendly against Leeds in Stockholm.
Ruben Amorim started Leon in that friendly, and he made substitute appearances against West Ham and Bournemouth in the United States. Then Leon was introduced to the Old Trafford crowd alongside United’s other summer recruits before the final pre-season game against Fiorentina.
The indicators pointed to Leon soon being handed his debut, but he was included in a senior squad for the first time against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, which was United’s third match of the season.
Leon was included in squads against Manchester City, Brentford and Sunderland between September and October, however, he then did not make the bench for a first-team game for the remainder of the campaign.
Despite predicting he would “kill it”, Leon has slipped into the background, and the reason is simple: he has lots to learn and improve, which is why United kept him in academy matches.
Leon ended the campaign by starting for the Under-21s against Brighton at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League 2 play-off final.
A week later, United’s first team played Brighton at the same venue in the Premier League, and fellow left-back Tyrell Malacia was given minutes from the bench ahead of his departure from the club.
Michael Carrick gave Malacia a final appearance in recognition of his professionalism, but Leon may have got on the pitch ahead of the Dutchman if he’d made stronger progress in academy fixtures.
United agreed a £3.3million fee, rising to £7m with add-ons, with Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno to sign Leon because they saw first-team potential, but he must continue to work hard if he wants to make his debut.
The 19-year-old is still young, but he has reached the age at which higher standards are expected at United, which is why it feels like next season will ultimately make or break his time in Manchester.
Leon could excel during pre-season and earn a squad role for next season, but that feels unlikely after following him closely over the last 12 months. There have been glimmers from Leon during matches, but he is still raw and does not look ready for the first team.
There was one particular afternoon in September when Leon struggled, which was noted by staff. The defender was targeted by Liverpool’s U21s at Melwood, which led to him being hooked at the interval.
Leon’s introduction to English football following his move from South America has been challenging. He is 6,300 miles from home and has tried his best to adapt. It’s not easy for any player to make such a move.
Travis Binnion is now a permanent member of Michael Carrick’s backroom staff, but he managed the U21s before being promoted to the first team following the reshuffle after Amorim’s sacking.
Binnion spoke about Leon to the Manchester Evening News in November, saying: “It is evident for all to see he has some real qualities and some strong foundations to his game that he has to build on.
“He is aware, we are all aware, he has stuff to work on but, to be fair to the kid, he has not played a full 90 minutes yet. We will be looking to tick that off pretty soon and that will be really good for him.
“If he can get a run of 90 minutes, then it is fair to look at his game and see where he is at. At this moment in time, he has shown real glimpses of promise and has fitted in with the group really well.”
There was some noise around Leon potentially leaving on loan in the January window, but his agent, Renato Bittar, said he was “evolving” and that it would “not be ideal” to interrupt his season with a move.
Leon has been challenged by U21 fixtures this season, so leaving on loan in January was never realistic. However, he might have to take the plunge and leave on loan next season, if the right club can be found.
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There have still been some nice milestone moments for Leon to look back on. When he scored his first goal for the club against Tottenham’s U21s, a brilliant solo effort, he was mobbed by his teammates.
Leon’s teammates were delighted that he’d got off the mark, and the celebrations demonstrated his popularity. He also received his first senior call-up to represent Paraguay’s national team.
The youngster’s transfer to United made headlines in his homeland, and Paraguayans are following his journey closely. “For Paraguay, to have a player playing here at United is huge,” Leon told club media.
“I think for Paraguayans, they’re very proud to have someone from there playing in a club as big as Manchester United. It is an amazing, unique feeling to represent your country for all the people of Paraguay. I don’t know, it has no explanation – for my family it is an immense sense of pride to see me play with my national team.”
Leon was asked to describe Paraguay to those unfamiliar with the country. “The people of Paraguay will surprise you. They’re so kind, even if they don’t have much, they will always help you,” he said.
United are trying to help Leon reach his full potential. There have been bumps in the road this season, including a small injury in April, but it’s hoped he can kick on after getting a first year in a new country under his belt.
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