Ruben Amorim assessing Man Utd wonderkid this summer, decision could directly impact academy graduate

Manchester United’s pre-season will be massive for the futures of several players at the club.

After the disaster that was 2024-25, this summer has been a fresh start for Manchester United.

Ruben Amorim has finally had time on the training ground, with clips of the sessions showing 11 vs 11 drills being done on a full sized pitch – something which should be vital for the system working next season.

There have been several standouts in pre-season already, but it is the youngsters who are actively playing for places under Amorim this summer.

Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato have impressed so far, while several others are expected to have a big part to play on tour such as Chido Obi and Sekou Kone.

But there are additional names being looked at this summer.

Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United

Manchester United weighing up plans over Diego Leon

This summer, several youngsters are fighting to impress Amorim and show themselves to be ready to first-team football, with Mantato among those.

Meanwhile, Diego Leon is also expected to be in contention for opportunities this summer.

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Before even touching down in Manchester, Leon vowed to ‘kill it’ in pre-season for United, and that he wouldn’t be heading on loan for the 2025-26.

Now, The Athletic have reported that this is the case, with United not planning to send Leon out on loan, instead, the 18-year-old is will stay put for the coming campaign, allowing him to acclimatise to English football.

Leon has caught the eye during pre-season so far, and Amorim will continue assessing Leon over the coming weeks before deciding where he will be placed for the start of the 2025-26 season.

He will either be part of the senior team or will join the U21s, with the latter probably more likely right now, albeit we will need to see him in action first.

However, Leon has a direct rival for minutes at United this summer and beyond, so whatever decision is made over his future will have big impact.

READ: Who is Diego Leon, Man Utd to sign 17-year-old Paraguayan as Ineos add to youth dynasty

Leon could directly impact Harry Amass

United having no European football will wipe at least eight games off the schedule this season right away, which in turn brings need for a smaller squad.

Due to this, there likely isn’t space nor minutes for both Leon and Harry Amass in the first-team squad this season, with United yet to make a decision on the former Watford wing-back.

The Athletic have suggested Amass is ahead of Leon right now, as expected, however there remains a chance that the number 41 will be heading on loan this summer.

Amass had his breakout last season, but still has plenty of areas to improve upon, primarily in his physicality.

Amorim will have to decide which of he sees as his best Patrick Dorgu back-up. If it is Amass, we see Leon in the U21s this season for the first few months at least, but if Leon overtakes Amass this summer then it will be a loan for the English youngster.

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