Leon played with the first-team squad over pre-season but is still awaiting his senior bow for the club. (Photo by Vincent Carchietta/Getty Images)

Man Utd first-team player set for January exit as Lisandro Martinez comeback edges closer

Originally posted on Stretty News | By Michel Sakr | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 6:02 AM ET

Manchester United could consider sending Diego Leon out on loan in January due to limited first-team opportunities.

The Red Devils poached the 18-year-old’s services last January after catching the eyes of the club’s South American scouts with his impressive displays for Cerro Porteño.

Leon had to wait until the summer to arrive at Man Utd and join Ruben Amorim’s first team. The Paraguayan took part in the friendlies during the pre-season and was expected to be involved in competitive action. However, he has yet to make his debut for the senior squad.

Diego Leon to leave Man United in January?

Leon has only participated in two contests with Man Utd U21 for a total of 108 minutes. Therefore, the Manchester Evening News believes that a January loan move would be the ideal solution for the young wingback.

The source encourages United to send the youngster to a Championship club, as they have done with Harry Amass (Sheffield Wednesday), Toby Collyer (West Brom), and Radek Vitek (Bristol City).

This would allow Leon to get some valuable time and familiarise himself with the nature of the English game, before returning to Carrington next season.

Why a loan move would be the best solution for Leon

Unfortunately for Leon, he joined Man Utd’s first team in the most inconvenient of times, as the club isn’t taking part in any European competition this season, and was also infamously thumped out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Grimsby Town.

Therefore, even more established players like Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo have been left starving for minutes.

Diego Leon’s playing time	Team	Minutes
Premier League	Man Utd first team	0
Carabao Cup	Man Utd first team	0
Premier League 2	Man Utd U21	45
EFL Trophy	Man Utd U21	63

To make the situation even more daunting for Leon, Lisandro Martinez is making important steps in his recovery process, and could return to the squad in the coming weeks or months.

Once the Argentine reclaims his regular starting berth at the back, Luke Shaw will likely start vying for a place on the left wing against Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot, so the young Leon will be lost in the shuffle.

Moreover, Tyrell Malacia has recently been reinstated in the squad, but it remains to be seen if Amorim will ever resort to his services.

This article first appeared on Stretty News and was syndicated with permission.

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