MANCHESTER UNITED’S most popular player in the dressing room is only 18 years old.
That is despite the fact that he hasn’t even played for the club and doesn’t speak English.
GettyDiego Leon was unveiled on the pitch with his fellow new arrivals at Old Trafford[/caption]
ReutersThe young left-back is already proving popular in the dressing room[/caption]
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The Red Devils have endured their fair share of issues on and off the field in recent times.
But with the new season, there is renewed optimism.
And one of those reasons is Diego Leon.
The Paraguayan left-back arrived from his boyhood club Cerro Porteno in his homeland for £7million.
And according to the Daily Mail, he is already making a mark within the United squad as Mr Popular.
Leon’s lack of English means plenty of the senior pros are surrounding and supporting him.
And with many players in the squad speaking Spanish, the new No35 has no shortage of team-mates to chat with and make him feel at home.
MUTV interviewed him in Spanish, too.
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A source told the Mail: “He’s like a little brother to a lot of these guys.
“They are giving him a bit of stick, having a laugh.
“But they are fiercely protective over him and are really looking after him.”
Leon immediately won over his new fanbase with a brilliant interview in an airport before arriving in England.
He said: “Everyone thinks I’ll go out on loan, but I don’t have that mindset.
“I’m going to kill it in the pre-season, and within one or two games, I’ll already be playing with them.
“The feelings are indescribable. You feel so many things. The truth is, I’m very happy, very happy to be there.
“I think every player dreams of this, and I have the opportunity. Thank God for the opportunity.
“I think it was a bit quick too, but hey, you have to adapt quickly once you’re there. I’m already a professional.
“I’ll have to adapt a bit to the climate, the language, and all that. I have a lot of confidence in myself.
“I’m going to be at the top with them. Now with the faith intact that I can succeed.”
Man Utd’s transfer deals
IN
Bryan Mbeumo – from Brentford – £71m
Matheus Cunha – from Wolves – £62.5m
Diego Leon – from Cerro Porteno – £7m
Benjamin Sesko – from RB Leipzig – £74m
TOTAL – £214.5m
OUT
Victor Lindelof – released
Christian Eriksen – released
TOTAL – £0m
It is unclear how much first-team action Leon will get under Ruben Amorim this term.
Patrick Dorgu is expected to be the first-choice left wing-back in the starting XI.
Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot can also play there – but are preferred at left centre-back and right wing-back respectively – as can Noussair Mazraoui.
Leon’s fellow 18-year-old Harry Amass made seven first-team appearances last season – five in the Premier League and two in the Europa League.
But the lack of European football this term may see academy graduate Amass head out on loan, with Sheffield Wednesday and PSV Eindhoven reportedly battling for his services this term.
GettySpanish-speaking senior pros have taken him under their wings[/caption]
