Amorim delighted with new star's Man Utd debut saying youngster will be 'very good player'

Diego Leon caught the eye and showed plenty of promise in Manchester United's first preseason game.

United fans may soon be raving about a hidden gem in Leon with the 18-year-old Paraguay U20 international making his debut in the 0-0 pre-season draw against Leeds United in Stockholm.

While the match had few goalscoring fireworks, Leon’s performance caught the eye and suggested United’s recruitment team have found a genuine prospect.

The club’s early conviction in Leon has been clear. After investing to bring him from South America, United handed the youngster the coveted No.30 shirt and chose to loan out highly rated Harry Amass, entrusting Leon with the back-up left wing-back slot this summer.

Head coach Ruben Amorim’s faith was evident: Leon was handed a starting berth in a strong side that included fellow debutant Matheus Cunha, the £62.5m signing from Wolves.

Leon faced a quick Premier League-lite learning curve. Early on, he was exposed a couple of times by Leeds’ overlapping duo, Willy Gnonto and Jayden Bogle, but his game intelligence showed—he adapted with a little help from senior pro Luke Shaw, who played inside him as the left-sided centre-back.

“He’s powerful. He’s going to be a very good player,” Amorim told MUTV post-match, hailing Leon’s attitude and capacity to learn on the job.

There were flashes of real class from Leon, notably a neat, delicate pass that created a presentable chance for teenage striker Chido Obi.

Moments later, after Casemiro’s fierce strike bounced off the bar, Leon’s willingness to try an audacious effort from a tight angle showed confidence beyond his years—a trait United fans love to see.

His physical power is already notable for his age, though adapting to the intensity of English football will require time; on a hot afternoon, he was seen catching his breath more than once.

Though replaced at halftime along with the entire starting lineup ahead of United’s upcoming US tour, Leon left a strong impression.

With his mix of technical composure, athleticism, and positive mentality, Leon could soon become a familiar name at Old Trafford.

As United build for the future, this pre-season has offered a first glimpse of a South American starlet who could have a real impact in years to come.