Man Utd signing is showing why Marcelo comparisons are right, his potential is unreal

Manchester United have already got one signing in the bag for this summer, with Diego Leon set to arrive from Cerro Porteno in Paraguay.The 18-year-old is considered one of the highest potential youngsters in South America and is a move made with an eye on the future.Manchester United’s recruitment policy has contained this trend of signing prospects tipped for greatness, with Diego Leon’s move to Old Trafford following in the footsteps of Ayden Heaven and Sekou Kone.

Ruben Amorim’s squad is likely to have a continued influx of youth this summer, with players like Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof set to be replaced by either academy players or young signings from elsewhere.Already this summer, United are close to signing Enzo Kana-Biyik for free from Le Havre, but it is Leon who is already on the books to arrive and has been performing for his club, Cerro Porteno.Here is how he has been playing.



READ: Who is Diego Leon, Man Utd to sign 17-year-old Paraguayan as Ineos add to youth dynastyPhoto by DANIEL DUARTE/AFP via Getty ImagesHow Diego Leon has been performing for Cerro PortenoUnited agreed a deal to sign Leon back in January; however, the Paraguayan wonderkid was only 17 and therefore, due to Brexit rules, could not complete the switch until this summer following his 18th birthday.Since then, Leon impressed for Paraguay in the U20 South American Championships, in a really strong showing which included goals.After this, Leon has been back at Cerro Porteno and, thus far, has played eight games according to SofaScore data, averaging 65 minutes per game.

Infographic created by SofaScore.The data around Leon’s season shows he is heavily involved for Cerro Porteno at both ends of the field, both defensively with strong ball recovery statistics and duels won, and also offensively with final third entries. His athleticism likely paves the way for such high levels of involvement, which Ruben.

Leon has scored twice for Cerro Porteno this season from left-back, which is a good sign for his chances of impressing for United as a wing-back. One thing made clear is that, unlike Patrick Dorgu, Leon is solely a left-sided player as his heat map hugs the left touchline.🦁¡Volvió a rugir! Diego León aprovechó el rebote y la mandó adentro para poner al Ciclón arriba en el marcador.

📺Tigo Sports▶️Viví el #AperturaAPF2025 en https://t.co/pGNhXoLRh7 pic.twitter.

com/8OvDeZnFka— Tigo Sports (@TigoSportsPY) April 28, 2025While clearly not the final product or polished as a player just yet, Leon has all the raw qualities that are needed from a left wing-back in Amorim’s system. These early signs from the talented full-back show why United and Amorim should be excited.READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s new head coach – Ruben AmorimDiego Leon showcasing why Marcelo comparisons are spot on ahead of Manchester United switchWhile most United fans know little about Leon, his data from this season gives us an idea of who he is on the pitch.

Along with this, Leon has been compared with Real Madrid legend Marcelo for his attacking output, which is a standout trait.Upon watching Leon play, his running is one clear positive, as he is already so powerful and explosive, which leads to him being tough to stop.Marcelo was known for his offensive threat, but he was immense at both ends of the pitch in his prime, which Leon is showing early signs of being capable of doing.

With the right coaching, he will be an elite player with his unreal potential.Where Leon’s integration looks tricky is that already Harry Amass and Dorgu look like they are players Amorim is keen on using, and they are both young as well, which leaves a tough battle for Leon.However, cream always rises to the top, and this competition can only benefit United.

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