According to a report by Manchesterevening News on Friday October 23, 2026, in January, Manchester United may have to say goodbye to teenage defender Diego Leon on loan. His agent has warned that, barring a breakthrough with the first team, the teenager may need to find a way out of the club temporarily.

After a remarkable rise in South American football, the 18-year-old Paraguayan left back joined United from Cerro Porteno in July 2025, bringing a lot of promise with him.

After 33 senior appearances for Cerro Porteno, Leon convinced United to invest in his future by moving to England. The start of his competitive first-team debut at Old Trafford, though, is still yet to come.

As he continued to push for a chance with Manchester United's first team, the defender made 20 appearances for the Under-21 team in his rookie season.

As stated by ABC Deportes on X, Renato Bittar, Leon's agent, has stated categorically that the future of his client is contingent upon the club's strategies for his growth in the upcoming months.

"We will seek an alternative for him if there isn't a strategy to be on the first team between December and January," Bittar clarified.

He went on to say that the youngster could get some much-needed playing time on loan and then return to Manchester a more seasoned player.

A loan to a team where he can "compete, get playing time, and return to Manchester," the agent stated.

While Bittar maintained that his client's long-term preference was to remain at Manchester United, he did mention the English Championship and other European leagues as potential destinations.

While other European leagues and the Championship are possibilities, he emphasized that they would rather remain in this location.

Despite having few opportunities to play at the senior level, Leon's agent insisted that he has been doing admirably for the Under-21 squad, training hard, and staying in peak physical condition.

Given United's persistent struggles at left back, the teenager may be given a chance to shine. Both Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu have been out with injuries so far this season.

United have fewer specialized options when injuries impact their defensive department because, despite Dorgu's defensive capabilities, he is often used up front.

However, there is no assurance that Leon will be promoted immediately. Before committing him to first team duties, United must decide if he is mature enough or if he would be better served by playing senior football elsewhere.

Michael Carrick is still focused on Manchester United for the foreseeable future, so a January loan could be an option if the club can't provide a compelling pathway into Carrick's senior plans.