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Inside Story: Diego Leon’s first weeks at United
Friday 18 July 2025 12:00
Millions around the world dream of signing for Manchester United, but some of the journeys to doing so are more remarkable than others.
Diego Leon is the latest in that category, coming from the long grass of a Paraguayan ranch to the corridors of Old Trafford, and his excitement at joining the Reds was evident as he made the Theatre of Dreams his new home.
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Catch a glimpse of the new Red in a United shirt.
It must have felt like a long wait for Diego, who was first linked with the club many months ago, something he admitted felt “incredible.”
Now? It’s his reality. This is his place of work.
After a light first training session at Carrington, he was at Old Trafford for a quick photoshoot in our new home kit. Before that, some introductions, to some new, and some familiar, faces.
Jumping out of the INEOS Grenadier, Diego greeted the United translator who’s been giving him English lessons in recent weeks. Leon’s been a keen learner. English is uncommon in Paraguay, unlike in some other South American nations.
Even before signing for United, Diego had been seeking out fellow speakers to practise his first words with, and has since lined up a string of sessions to help get him settled into living here.
It’s a big task, settling in. Even players from fellow Premier League clubs who join United realise the magnitude of the club. Thankfully, most realise that while it’s big in size, it’s also familial in nature. Yes, there are a couple of cameras snapping away, but it’s a warm environment. Diego certainly did. And for his part, he was polite, humble and enjoyed the opportunity to see Old Trafford.
“It’s like a maze,” he said, as we wandered around the concourses for a few more photos.
As for the red shirt he was wearing? “It feels good.”
Diego arriving for his first day of work at Carrington, carrying equipment for yerba mate, a traditional drink in Paraguay loved as the English love tea.
United have signed players like Diego for some years. The Da Silva twins would have experienced similar sensations when they came over from Brazil, aged 18. But this certainly feels like a key tenet of the club’s transfer strategy in 2025. Ayden Heaven arrived in January from Arsenal, and also instantly felt the grandeur of Old Trafford and United.
Going back to Sir Matt Busby’s era, United’s transfer policy has long been about bringing in the world’s best young players at an age where they can learn and improve. Some of them develop into world stars, others into regular starters, steady squad options or they go onto enjoy impressive careers elsewhere, better for their experience with the Reds. This feels like a continuation of that.
Diego’s first training session at Carrington was an intense one. Still based in the Academy building alongside United’s other talented young players, he competed with them in an early-session rondo. Joining Diego, Shea Lacey, Bendito Mantato and Reece Munro in the rondo — as well as Amad and Tyler Fredricson — was the boss, Ruben Amorim.
Diego enjoying his first senior training session, competing in a rondo in front of Ruben Amorim.
Ruben occasionally gave Leon a quick comment in Spanish — no doubt appreciated by Diego — but the 18-year-old had an impressive confidence and intensity about him. First impressions matter. This was a good one.
“I’m going to give my everything,” he’d said in the corridors of Old Trafford. That much felt clear in training, and it drew a beam from Amorim.
He has a lot to learn. A tactical session followed the rondos, with Ruben making an effort in particular to instruct the two new signings in the group, Leon and Matheus Cunha. That’s what pre-season is for. A chance to settle in and learn.
But soon, Leon will hope to be on the plane to the USA for his first tour as a United player. Then, more than ever, he’ll realise the fanatical support for this club across the world. Every new signing of any age does. And hopefully those fans will enjoy watching a tenacious player with a deep desire to show what he’s capable of on the biggest stage.
More exclusive insight from Carrington and Old Trafford:
Friday 18 July 2025 12:00
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