Diego Leon’s first test will be facing former Man United star who once ‘stunned’ in pre-season

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New Manchester United signing Diego Leon is looking to impress Ruben Amorim in pre-season so he stays put in 2025/26.

Over the weekend, Manchester United announced Diego Leon as the second major signing of the summer after Matheus Cunha.

The £3.2m deal has been known about for months but was only confirmed this summer once the Paraguayan defender turned 18 years old.

Leon is determined to impress in pre-season to avoid going out on loan in 2025/26, which is what Ineos reportedly have planned for the teenager.

That is the kind of mentality that will please Ruben Amorim, and he will be keeping a keen eye on Diego Leon’s progress over pre-season.

Diego Leon can impress for Man United vs Leeds United

With pre-season training starting on Monday, July 7, Leon will have a chance to meet his new teammates and settle into life at Carrington.

The first pre-season friendly is against Leeds United in Sweden on July 19, before the Red Devils fly out to the United States to participate in the Premier League Summer Series.

Leon will hope to play a part in the match against Leeds, and he could be matched up against a former United star in the shape of Dan James.

James was sold to Leeds for £25m in 2021, and he has since become a key player for the Yorkshire side.

The now 27-year-old often plays on the right wing for Leeds, meaning he could be up against Leon when the two sides meet in Stockholm.

However, Leon will likely share minutes with Patrick Dorgu and Harry Amass at left wing-back, meaning he will have limited time to impress.

Dan James once ‘stunned’ Man Utd teammates in pre-season

James was signed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019 following his impressive breakthrough at Swansea, and the Welsh winger enjoyed a strong start in Manchester.

James scored on his United debut against Chelsea, and then added two more goals in his next two games. But his form eventually fell away, and his end product was criticised.

However, James’ workrate and attitude was never in question, with Solskjaer a big admirer of how hard he worked both in matches and in training.

As per The Sun, James “stunned” his United teammates in 2019 by topping the club’s pre-season fitness tests.

READ MORE: Paraguayan football expert explains Diego Leon style of play, Manchester United wonderkid ‘still so raw’

Ahead of joining up with United, James went on a warm-weather training camp in Dubai to prepare, and his preparations paid off.

With Leeds preparing for their return to the Premier League, James will once again be wanting to hit the ground running and he will be a tough first test for Leon if the pair clash in Sweden.