Diego Leon was the big surprise from a recent Manchester United friendly as he was given a chance to shine in front o Michael Carrick in the problematic left-back role.
He made his first appearance of the season for United in Friday's behind-closed-doors friendly against Lausanne-Sport.
The 19-year-old left-back was given minutes as Carrick fielded a makeshift side at Carrington, with United running out 2-1 winners.
It was a significant opportunity for Leon, who has found himself on the fringes of the club's plans since arriving from Paraguay with a growing reputation.
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Leon joined United from Cerro Porteno in the summer of 2025 after the clubs had agreed a deal several months earlier.
Arsenal and Manchester City had also shown an interest in the defender, while United saw enough potential to invest an initial £3.3million, with the fee capable of rising to around £7million.
The teenager had already played 33 first-team matches for Cerro Porteno before turning 18 and was regarded as one of the most exciting young players in Paraguayan football.
His explosive pace from left-back made him an intriguing prospect, while his experience at such a young age suggested he could be ready to make the step into European football.
But Leon's first year at Old Trafford did not develop as hoped.
He was included in first-team matchday squads against Manchester City, Brentford and Sunderland early last season and was also among the substitutes for the EFL Cup tie at Grimsby Town.
He did not make a senior appearance, however, and subsequently disappeared from the first-team picture.
Leon instead became a regular for the Under-21s, making 17 starts during the campaign as he continued adapting to English football.
This season, though, his progress appeared to halt and the reason isn't clear. Leon has not played a single minute for the U21s in the opening weeks of the campaign.
He was named among the substitutes for the 3-2 victory over Brentford on September 18 but remained on the bench, while he was not involved in the earlier league games against Ipswich Town and Leicester City.
That meant Friday's game against Lausanne represented his first competitive involvement of the campaign.
The opportunity came because of the international break, with a large number of senior players and Academy prospects away with their countries.
It also gave Carrick the chance to take a closer look at a player who has not yet featured under him.
Leon had not been involved with the senior team under Carrick before the Lausanne fixture, making the game particularly important for the Paraguayan.
United have also had to consider their options at left-back.
Luke Shaw remains an important part of Carrick's squad, while Harry Amass has already been given senior opportunities this season. Leon therefore faces competition from a player who is also still developing and looking to establish himself at first-team level.
Carlos Baleba was understandably the main focus in the fixture, getting his first minutes for United since arriving from Brighton with an ankle problem.
Harry Maguire and Matheus Cunha were also involved, while several Academy players were given valuable exposure to first-team football.
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