Man Utd Hand No.30 Shirt to New Signing Diego Leon Ahead of Anticipated Debut

Jaco Pieterse

Jul 20 2025

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Diego Leon Set for Manchester United Debut with No.30 Jersey

Manchester United’s latest addition, Diego Leon, is grabbing headlines before he’s even kicked a ball for the club. The 18-year-old Paraguayan, who just arrived from Cerro Porteño in a £3.3 million deal, has officially been assigned the No.30 shirt. That number has been worn by a few United cult figures—think John O’Shea, who could pop up almost anywhere on the pitch, and Guillermo Varela, the Uruguayan right-back who showed off his pace a few years back. Now, it’s Leon’s turn to leave his mark.

Fans can expect to get their first real look at Leon during Manchester United’s pre-season friendly against Leeds United in Stockholm. Pre-season games may not count for much in the record books, but for someone like Leon, it’s a golden ticket—an early shot to impress, make headlines, and show why United were so keen to bring him in.

Why United Are Betting on Leon for Immediate Impact

One big talking point around Leon is how quickly he’s being tossed into the first-team setup. Most teenagers, especially those coming from South America, end up going out on loan or spending months with the under-21s. Not Leon. United’s new head coach, Ruben Amorim, seems convinced by what he’s seen from the young wing-back in training at Carrington. Word is, Leon has adjusted swiftly to the British game, blending into the squad and showing off the energy and versatility the club desperately needs after a shaky defensive season last year.

Leon isn’t just a project for the future. Slotting him in as a proper senior squad member—no loan talks, no waiting game—says a lot about Amorim’s confidence in his abilities. United’s backline struggled with injuries and inconsistent form recently, so they’re looking for new blood—someone young but ready to step up. Leon might be that guy. For those keeping track, he’s ditched his Cerro Porteño No.37 and Paraguay U20 No.4 for United’s No.30, a signal of a fresh start but also growing responsibility.

Supporters are buzzing about seeing Leon play, especially against a familiar English rival like Leeds. Pre-season friendlies can be the start of big things. Who knows? A strong performance on Saturday could put him right into Amorim’s plans for the competitive season. With much talk about United’s need for reliable defenders, all eyes will be on Diego Leon as he takes his first steps in red.