Background to new Man Utd signing Diego Leon

A powerful physical performer, the youngster quickly racked up 33 senior appearances for his club, and played nine times at the Under-20 South American Championship earlier this year. He found the net in the game against Argentina and will have learned much from the experience.

Cerro Porteno coach Manolo Jimenez’s response to Leon’s suggestion that he looked up to Brazil defender Marcelo as a role model, was to throw a former United favourite into the mix.

“I hope, one day, we can say he’s had a career similar to Marcelo’s,” he said. “Or, if he signs for United, to what Patrice Evra had at Old Trafford.”

There is, obviously, the need for patience with Leon’s progress, as he integrates into a new environment in Manchester, but he has the sort of ambition and potential that mark him out as an exciting capture.

Welcome to United, Diego!