While most eyes in Greater Manchester were understandably on the music industry over the last week, in the sporting world, Man United confirmed their second signing of the summer transfer window and in a crucial position: Diego León.
The Paraguay youth international has already represented the country’s under-20 side nine times, not to mention making 33 senior appearances for his former employers, Cerro Porteño.
At just 18, most would expect the young defender to slot into the United academy set up, but many are already predicting him to break into the first team very quickly based on his career thus far.
Only time will tell, of course, but there seems to be a lot of buzz around him already.
We are delighted to announce the signing of defender Diego Leon, subject to registration.
After making his debut as a 17-year-old, acting as a late replacement for an injured member of the starting XI, he scored the winning header in a 1-0 victory to finish his first game with a flourish and scored again later that week.
Not a bad way to announce yourself.
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Since then, he registered another two goals from defence and, in terms of who he models his game on, León has regularly cited former Real Madrid fullback and retired Brazilian international Marcelo.
It’s this kind of dynamism and bombing on down the left flank that both he and, no doubt, head coach Ruben Amorim will be hoping he can bring to his wingback system, and given their lack of depth in that particular position, Diego León could find opportunities in a shifting Man United side soon enough.
Marcelo also made his debut for Madrid at 18.He won 25 trophies in his career.Credit: Elemaki (via Wikimedia Commons)/Кирилл Венедиктов(via soccer.ru)
Speaking on his move to Old Trafford, the youngster said: “This is what every kid dreams of. I invite you all to dream. I’m a dreamer.” A rather fitting stadium to move to, in that case, don’t you think?
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The deal for the left-back was actually agreed back in January (with full confirmation still pending prior to proper registration), and Cerro Porteño are reported to net around £7 million including add-ons, with around £3.3m already paid to seal the transfer.
Further fees are said to depend on his first-team United performances, which, although not guaranteed right away – as seen with the likes of fellow recent arrival, Sékou Koné – supporters will be quietly keeping their fingers crossed they come quickly.
Ricky Hatton’s family share details of 18 mile-long Memorial Route next week
Daisy Jackson
A Memorial Route to celebrate the life of Ricky Hatton has been shared by the late boxer’s family.
The legendary sportsman and local figure was found dead at his home earlier this month – he was just 46 years old.
His family have now shared details of a procession which will take place next week, offering fans a chance to come out and pay their respects to ‘The Hitman’.
The Memorial Route will span some 18 miles and pass landmarks that shaped Ricky Hatton throughout his life and career.
It will begin in Hyde, where he spent most of his life, before heading on to the city centre for a funeral service at Manchester Cathedral.
Entry to the service itself will be by invitation only, but the lengthy cortège will allow plenty of opportunity for locals to pay their respects before then.
The Memorial Route will then wind up at the Etihad Stadium.
Ricky’s family has shared a map of the route and confirmed that it will pass pubs, gyms and other landmarks loved by the boxing great.
It will begin at The Cheshire Cheese pub in Gee Cross before heading on to The Harehill Tavern, and then up to the site of the former The New Inn pub.
The latter is a pub that Ricky’s parents ran, and in which his parents built him a boxing gym in the basement.
Though the pub is now closed and has been turned into housing, it’s here that doves will be released in his honour.
The Ricky Hatton Memorial Route will move on from here to pause at énergie Fitness Hyde Ricky Hatton, then to pass Hyde Town Hall and Betta Bodies Gym.
From here, it will make its way into the city centre, passing the AO Arena and making its way to Manchester Cathedral.
After the funeral service, the procession will finish at the Etihad Stadium – the home of Ricky Hatton’s beloved Manchester City.
The procession will begin at 9.45am on Friday 10 October, and is expected to reach the Cathedral for midday.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons, Aeropixels Photography
Sport
adidas announces in-store trivia night and meet & greet to celebrate ADIDAS Z.N.E. x MAN UTD collection
Daisy Jackson
The Manchester adidas store will once again be welcoming in shoppers this week for way more than your regular shopping experience, announcing an in-store trivia night, rewards and entertainment this week.
To celebrate the ADIDAS Z.N.E. x MAN UTD collection, there’ll be a foosball table in store all week, a fast-paced sport-themed quiz night, and the chance to snag a free adidas x Man Utd football scarf as a gift with purchase.
There’ll even be an unmissable player meet and greet with Manchester United players.
The collection itself embraces an athletic silhouette, premium materials, and a head-to-toe colour block, with a range of joggers, hoodies and t-shirts all featuring a modern blackout crest and the iconic three-stripe logo.
Each piece in the collection also has a graphic line detail that represents the markings on the football pitches and sports grounds we all know and love.
The ADIDAS Z.N.E. x MAN UTD collection is crafted with a unique 3D material construction, incorporating Primeknit fabric as well as cotton yams.
They’re soft to the touch, and perfect for throwing on after your workout or going out in the warmer weather.
There’s something for men and women in the collection.
It’s all rooted in the sense of belonging that being part of sport creates, and that means adidas are once again putting on a series of events in store to bring Mancs together.
The ADIDAS Z.N.E. x MAN UTD collection in ManchesterThe ADIDAS Z.N.E. x MAN UTD collection in Manchester
All week you’ll see the collection taking over the windows of the Market Street store – and if you head inside, you can challenge your mates to a casual or competitive foosball match.
There’ll also be an ADIDAS Z.N.E. X MAN UTD Football Scarf available as a gift with purchase from 29 September until 5 October.
And on 1 October, adidas will be hosting an ADIDAS Z.N.E. X MAN UTD Trivia night – blending the camaraderie of a classic pub quiz with the drama and stakes of a classic game show.
Teams will go head-to-head across a variety of themed quiz rounds, with a dramatic finale at the end, hosted by content creator and presenter Joe Thomlinson.
The store will also host an unmissable player meet and greet with Manchester United players.
The news of these events comes hot on the heels of the recent adidas Superstar relaunch activation, which has seen Mancs claiming free welded bracelets and ear piercings in-store over the weekend.
Head into the adidas Market Street store any day this week to claim your adidas x Man UTD football scarf gift-with-purchase, or if you want to attend the ADIDAS Z.N.E. X MAN UTD Trivia event on 1 October, sign up to attend via the adidas confirmed app HERE.
Danny Jones -
7th July 2025 
