Manchester United have dropped a pretty strong clue that youngster Diego Leon will be guaranteed a first-team role ahead of the new season.
Leon impressing at United Leon was officially announced as a United player last month, joining the club from Cerro Porteno in his native Paraguay.
United actually struck a deal with Cerro Porteno during the January transfer window but it was agreed the player would complete his move to Old Trafford in the summer.
The Red Devils forked out an initial 3.3m for Leon, but the deal could rise to 7m with add-ons. He signed for United having made 33 senior appearances for Cerro Porteno.
Leon immediately started training with the United senior squad to allow Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff the opportunity to assess him more closely. His training performances would determine whether he stayed with the first team, went out on loan, or was assigned to the Under-21s.
The 18-year-old is understood to have done exceptionally well, prompting Amorim to include him in his pre-season plans.
Leon was handed a surprise start in the opening pre-season friendly against Leeds in Stockholm and came on from the bench against West Ham and Bournemouth in the United States.
United initially handed him the number 30 shirt, but according to the Manchester Evening News, that has now been changed. This is one of two major hints that hes in line for a prominent first-team role.
United drop Leon hints MEN note that Benjamin Sesko’s arrival has prompted United to change Leon’s number from 30 to 35. Sesko is expected to inherit the number 30, which is what he donned at RB Leipzig.
Additionally, the news outlet points out that the fact United unveiled Leon at Old Trafford before the meeting with Fiorentina is a strong suggestion that he is seen as a first-team member.
Leon was presented alongside fellow new signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Sesko.
Unveiling our summer signings at Old Trafford
@Snapdragon x #ShotOnSnapdragon pic.twitter.com/hzEJ7Yd5f0
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The teenager remained an unused substitute, but was back training with the first team on Sunday, joining the players who hadnt featured against Fiorentina for a session at Carrington the next day.
United are back in action on Sunday when they face Arsenal in their Premier League season opener.
Featured image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
