While much of the attention ahead of Manchester United’s pre-season opener was focused on high-profile signing Matheus Cunha, it was another new arrival who ended up stealing the spotlight.
Cunha joined from Wolves early in the transfer window to strengthen manager Ruben Amorim’s struggling attack. Talks are reportedly progressing well with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who is expected to follow soon.
Amorim faces the challenge of revitalizing United’s forward line after last season’s disappointing 15th-place finish. To complicate matters, five senior players—including Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony—have reportedly informed the club of their desire to leave. Rashford is even said to be on the verge of a surprise loan move to Barcelona, increasing the urgency around Mbeumo’s potential signing.
Meanwhile, United kicked off their pre-season campaign in Sweden with a friendly against newly-promoted Leeds at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena.
In the buildup, it was revealed that another summer signing, Diego León, would stay with the squad rather than being loaned out as originally planned. Signed from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteño, León was viewed as a long-term prospect but is now being given a chance to fight for a place in the first team.
The teenage midfielder made his debut against Leeds and impressed fans with a standout first-half performance. According to Statman Dave on X, León posted some remarkable stats: 100% accuracy on long balls, 80% overall pass completion from 29 touches, two created chances, three ball recoveries, two shots, two take-ons, and he won every tackle attempted.
He was subbed off at halftime with the match still goalless—a scoreline that held through the second half.
Despite his brief appearance, León’s showing caught the attention of fans, who are now calling for him to feature more during the team’s upcoming U.S. tour. One supporter wrote, “Honestly can’t wait to see more of him, he looks hungry.” Another added, “Composed, progressive, and mature beyond his age. Diego León looks like a serious talent.”
While some fans noted that León still has areas to develop—especially in comparison to his replacement Patrick Dorgu—he was nonetheless widely praised as “fantastic,” “solid,” and “excellent,” particularly for one moment of poise under pressure that stood out.
Football journalist Roberto Rojas summed up León’s debut, tweeting: “Decent debut for Diego León as a Manchester United player. Some first-game nerves, sure—bit of ball-watching and lost possession. But tactically he looked sharp. With a few adjustments, he could earn real trust going forward.”
