Manchester United will be without defender Noussair Mazraoui for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Brentford, with manager Ruben Amorim looking to the club’s academy for cover. Mazraoui has quickly become one of United’s most reliable performers since arriving in 2024 for £12.8 million, a transfer many regarded as one of the bargains of the season. His form has consistently impressed, and pundits like Rio Ferdinand have often highlighted his importance to the squad. Last weekend, in the win over Chelsea, the Moroccan international was outstanding, winning all his defensive duels and offering stability down the flank.
However, Amorim confirmed on Friday that Mazraoui has picked up an injury and will not feature in the upcoming clash with Brentford, nor the following game. This forced the manager to bolster the squad with an academy option, ultimately selecting 18-year-old Diego Leon.
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Leon’s inclusion was revealed by Manchester Evening News journalist Steven Railston, with additional confirmation from Samuel Luckhurst, who shared footage of the teenager arriving with the first team at Stockport Train Station alongside midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
The Paraguayan youngster has had a challenging transition since joining the club, adapting to a new culture and football environment thousands of miles from his family. Ugarte recently urged fans to show patience with Leon, stressing the difficulties of such a major life and career adjustment.
Despite this, Leon’s selection has stirred debate among fans. Some supporters argue that Jaydan Kamason, who has been playing strongly at right wing-back this season, would have been a more logical choice. Yet, the club’s decision suggests a strong belief in Leon’s potential and long-term value.
Leon impressed during pre-season but has seen limited minutes since July. Only recently did he reappear for the U21s, where his performance against Liverpool drew criticism. Scouts described his display as underwhelming, questioning why fellow youth prospect Harry Amass was sent out on loan while Leon remained. That performance left many fans uncertain about whether Leon is ready for a role, even in a developmental capacity, let alone a possible debut with the senior team.
Still, others caution against reading too much into a single showing, pointing out that Leon had gone months without competitive football. Rustiness was inevitable, and comparisons have been made to Ayden Heaven, who initially struggled on his U21 debut but later proved himself as a capable first-team option.
For Amorim, the immediate priority is to fill the void left by Mazraoui, a player whose consistency has been a cornerstone of United’s defensive setup. Leon’s call-up signals not just the need for squad depth, but also the faith United’s coaching staff has in nurturing young talent.
The situation highlights a broader theme at Old Trafford: a willingness to trust in academy players when the squad is stretched. While questions remain about whether Leon is fully prepared for this leap, the move offers him invaluable experience at the highest level.
As United prepare to face Brentford, the spotlight will be on how the team adjusts without Mazraoui and whether Leon, even from the bench, can rise to the occasion. Regardless of his immediate impact, the teenager’s promotion underlines the club’s long-standing tradition of giving young prospects opportunities when senior players are unavailable.
The coming weeks will show whether this decision pays off. For Leon, it represents a chance to silence doubters, gain exposure, and perhaps lay the groundwork for a larger role in United’s future plans.
