Man Utd youngster spotted in first-team squad to face Brentford, Noussair Mazraoui replacement

Noussair Mazraoui is out of Manchester United’s trip to Brentford on Saturday afternoon as Ruben Amorim turns to the academy to source a replacement.

When fit, there are few more impressive and consistent players within the Manchester United squad than Morocco international Noussair Mazraoui. Costing just £12.8m in 2024, Mazraoui was viewed as a bargain and among the best value deals completed by the Red Devils in recent memory.

Following Mazraoui’s arrival, German press thought Bayern Munich had been ripped off by the deal, and looking back, it certainly seems that way based on his performances. Rio Ferdinand has been a big fan of Mazraoui since his arrival at the club, and when he is in the team, he’s almost an immediate starter.

Last weekend, Mazraoui was in impeccable form against Chelsea, winning all of his defensive duels in the game and barely putting a foot wrong in the 2-1 home win over the Bees.

However, on Friday, Ruben Amorim admitted Mazraoui was out of the clash injured, and as a result, wouldn’t be in the travelling squad that headed to London in advance of the game against Brentford.

Amorim has therefore turned to the academy.

Diego Leon in Manchester United squad to face Brentford

With Mazraoui out for the next two games, United needed extra reinforcements in the squad to take on Brentford on Saturday.

Well, ahead of the game, it has been revealed by Steven Railston from the Manchester Evening News that Diego Leon is the player United have chosen to bring into the squad.

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In addition to this tweet from the journalist, Leon was videoed at Stockport Train Station, arriving with the first team, as shared by Samuel Luckhurst. In particular, he was walking into the station alongside fellow South American Manuel Ugarte.

Last month, Ugarte told fans to be patient with Leon, mentioning the massive changes he is undergoing culturally and also learning football in a new country at the age of 18, halfway around the world from his family.

However, for some, Leon’s inclusion in the squad is not earned, with Jaydan Kamason better at right wing-back and in good form this season.

However, the club clearly rates Leon, which is no surprise he was chosen.

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

Leon needs more game time to reach his potential

Despite impressing in pre-season, since July Leon hadn’t played a minute of football until fairly recently, when he featured for the U21s.

Leon left scouts baffled with a poor display against Liverpool, with many wondering why Harry Amass was pushed out on loan instead of the Paraguayan.

Leon’s struggles against Liverpool U21s left fans wondering if he is even good enough to be at the club in a developmental stage, never mind potentially being lined up for a debut this weekend.

However, Leon has barely played any football in four months, so he was always going to be off the pace and shouldn’t be judged on his first game.

When Ayden Heaven signed, he struggled on his U21s debut before looking solid in the first team, so it is not a perfect gauge.

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