Manchester United have always had an eye out for talented young footballers across the world.
The Red Devils have a proven track record of transforming relatively unknown names into world beaters. And while things haven’t been as rosy in recent years, the Premier League giants have maintained their strategy under INEOS as well.
United identified young Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon as their next target at the turn of the year and signed him from Cerro Porteno in January in a 3.3m deal. The player, however, only arrived at Old Trafford this summer, once he had turned 18 years old.
Leon featured for the English giants in pre-season but has yet to get his first team debut so far. Interestingly, he was on the bench against Grimsby Town and Manchester City.
The Red Devils are biding their time with the young left-back, especially with Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu ahead of him in the pecking order.
A flagbearer for his country
Despite his slow start in England, Leon has already caused a stir in his country. The player’s representative, Renato Bittar, recently sat down with Versus Radio (via Sport Witness) to discuss his client’s move to the Theatre of Dreams.
Bittar labelled the teenager as the flagbearer of Paraguayan football, suggesting that his efforts could open doors for talents in the country to make their presence felt in Europe.
Bittar added that Leon is “happy with how he is enjoying it, being the first Paraguayan at Manchester United.”
The agent is unperturbed with his client’s slow start to life with the Premier League giants. Instead, he insists the Paraguayan will soon win over supporters, stating: “I think he will bring a lot of joy to the fans.”
A popular figure in the dressing room
Before leaving Paraguary this summer, Leon publicly proclaimed that he is looking to break into the first team at United rather than spend his time away on loan.
It is common for budding talents to continue their development in lesser leagues to help acclimatise with the rigours of playing in England’s top flight.
Leon’s desire, as such, was a clear display of his determination to win over the club with his efforts. He is already a popular figure within the squad, with recent reports suggesting that Casemiro has already taken him under his wing.
The report adds that fellow South Americans Lisandro Martinez and Manuel Ugarte have also passed down valuable lessons, while club captain Bruno Fernandes has lent a helping hand as well.
Leon, as such, has the right environment to flourish at the Theatre of Dreams, and, with time, could even make the left-back position his own.
Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
