Manchester United’s new signing Diego León has been labelled ‘like no other’ in his position

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what position does Diego Leon Man United play?

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.

For context, as per BBC Sport, club president Juan Jose Zapag said of the Paraguayan prospect: “He’s a left-back like no other in the world, the kind that’s rare to find.”

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.

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?

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.

What do you make of the business, Reds?

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Featured Images — MUFC (via X)/soccer.ru (via WikiCommons)/Paraguay (via Instagram)