Whisper it quietly, but Manchester United may have discovered a promising talent in young full-back Diego Leon.
The club has already made significant decisions regarding the 18-year-old, indicating that the recruitment department believes he has a bright future at Old Trafford. This was evident even before their pre-season campaign began with a 0-0 draw against newly-promoted Leeds.
Initially, United invested in bringing the Paraguay Under-20 international from South America. They have also awarded him the coveted first-team shirt number 30. Furthermore, they have decided to allow highly-rated English youngster Harry Amass to leave on loan, rather than compete with Leon for the presumed backup left wing-back position.
Head coach Ruben Amorim chose to start Leon in Saturday's opening pre-season game against Leeds in Stockholm. There were signs that, with the right work ethic, willingness to learn, and sufficient motivation, Leon could become a valuable asset.
The highlight of his performance came towards the end of the first half. A short pass to Chido Obi inside the penalty area was delivered with a delicate touch not usually expected from someone of Leon's stature. He already appears to be a solid unit, which might pose challenges as he adjusts to the Premier League's intensity. Despite the favorable conditions of the match, Leon was seen catching his breath on a few occasions.
Initially, he struggled with overlapping runs from Willy Gnonto and Jayden Bogle. However, he quickly adapted, learning when danger might arise and, with some guidance from Luke Shaw, who played as the left-sided central defender, he was not exposed in the same manner again.
After Casemiro's deflected shot hit the crossbar, Leon confidently attempted to convert the rebound, despite the nearly impossible angle. Although he did not succeed, his attitude bodes well for the future.
Along with the rest of Amorim's starting lineup, the teenager was substituted at half-time in preparation for the three-match trip to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series.
Heaton and Meslier Ensure Goalless Game
After praising one of the youngest players in United's squad, they had the oldest to thank for keeping Leeds at bay. Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who signed a one-year contract extension three weeks ago, is competing with Altay Bayindir for the interim first-choice role due to Andre Onana's injury.
Heaton made three excellent second-half saves, denying Largie Ramazani twice, with the best save coming after Joel Piroe set up Bogle. Interestingly for Leeds, while striker Patrick Bamford did not travel—without explanation before kick-off—Jack Harrison, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Everton and is expected to move again, started.
As news emerged of Leeds having a £17 million bid accepted by German club Hoffenheim for midfielder Anton Stach, it is clear that manager Daniel Farke, like Amorim, can expect significant improvements from his team before their return to the top flight against Everton on August 18.
Manchester United finished strongly. Illan Meslier made a low save to deny Patrick Dorgu, and in a frenetic ending, Kobbie Mainoo hit the bar before the Leeds goalkeeper denied Ayden Heaven.