Manchester United Pre-Season: Chido Obi, Diego Leon & Six Talents Ready to Shine

After a torrid campaign that saw Manchester United finish 15th in the Premier League—their worst finish in over half a century—the only direction now is up. A new season means new beginnings, and with Ruben Amorim now firmly in charge, the Red Devils will be hoping to usher in a fresh era of ambition, grit, and most importantly, results.

The first step? Pre-season. United kick things off against long-time rivals Leeds United in Stockholm, and while the senior squad will naturally draw most of the attention—with £62.5m man Matheus Cunha and newly acquired Bryan Mbeumo grabbing headlines—this pre-season tour could well belong to a different group entirely: the kids.

United are stacked with promising youth talent, and with transfer funds largely tapped out, there’s no better time for the club’s next generation to step up. From a goal-scoring machine in Chido Obi to a fearless new arrival in Diego Leon, here are six Manchester United youngsters who could steal the spotlight this pre-season.

Chido Obi: The Danish Goal Machine With a Point to Prove

Chido Obi Man United

There’s prolific, and then there’s Chido Obi. The Danish-Nigerian striker has been breaking records ever since he arrived at United. Still only 16, Obi made headlines years ago when he scored 10 goals in a single match against Liverpool while playing for Arsenal’s U16s. Since then, his stock has only risen.

Last season, he shattered the U18 Premier League scoring record, prompting Amorim to give him eight first-team appearances—something almost unheard of for a player his age. Obi didn’t just make up the numbers either. On the post-season tour in Asia, he bagged a brace against Hong Kong to spare United’s blushes in a shaky performance. He’s got the instincts, the physicality, and now, a growing reputation. If anyone’s ready to take that next step, it’s him.

Diego Leon: The Self-Assured Paraguayan Making Waves

Diego Leon

It takes a certain kind of personality to land in Manchester from South America and instantly declare, “I’ll kill it in pre-season.” But Diego Leon is clearly not your average teenager.

The 18-year-old, who grew up in tough conditions in Paraguay and learned to play football with a cloth ball, is an attacking full-back with a relentless engine. He thrives on getting forward, beating his man, and creating chances. With questions still hanging over Luke Shaw’s long-term fitness and Patrick Dorgu still bedding in, Leon might just play himself into Amorim’s plans quicker than expected.

Shea Lacey: From Anfield Roots to Old Trafford Dreams

Shea Lacey NXGN

Shea Lacey might have grown up in a Liverpool household, but his football heart now belongs to Manchester United. A Red since the age of four, the right winger has dazzled at every level he’s played. His quick feet, sharp dribbling, and thunderous left foot have seen him scoop several player-of-the-tournament awards, even beating out Lamine Yamal on one occasion.

Lacey featured briefly during the club’s post-season tour of Asia and has been training with the first team this summer. With Antony yet to convince, there could be a route into the squad for the teenager if he continues to show maturity beyond his years.

Bendito Mantato: Big Goals in Big Moments

Bendito Mantato Man Utd

If you’re looking for a clutch player, Bendito Mantato is your guy. The 17-year-old forward made his name last season by scoring a dramatic extra-time winner against Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final. In total, he notched 16 goals and six assists across the U18 and U21 levels.

He was named on the bench for both legs of United’s Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club, showing that Amorim is already keeping tabs. After missing the Asia tour, Mantato is back in the fold for the clash against Leeds and could be a surprise package if given minutes.

Godwill Kukonki: A Towering Presence at the Back

Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference – UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg

Standing at 6ft 5in, Godwill Kukonki is hard to miss. The left-footed centre-back has drawn comparisons to Josko Gvardiol for his calmness in possession and physical prowess. He’s also comfortable playing at left-back—versatility that Amorim will no doubt appreciate as he looks to reshape a leaky backline.

Kukonki was included in the squad for several first-team matches late last season, although he didn’t make his debut until the Asia tour. Still, his presence in the 29-man pre-season squad signals that the coaching staff sees something special in him.

Elyh Harrison: A Goalkeeper With Perfect Timing

Elyh Harrison Manchester United 2024-25

With Andre Onana injured, Altay Bayindir’s future uncertain, and Tom Heaton approaching his 40s, the door may be about to open for 19-year-old keeper Elyh Harrison. The youngster honed his skills in the unforgiving world of non-league football during a loan spell at Chester, where he kept seven clean sheets in 18 appearances.

Known for his excellent distribution and calm under pressure, Harrison has already trained with the senior squad and could now get a golden chance to show what he’s made of during pre-season. Given United’s turbulent history with goalkeepers post-De Gea, Harrison might just be a welcome surprise waiting in the wings.

A Golden Opportunity for a New Era

These aren’t just throwaway names on a youth roster. They’re serious prospects knocking on the first-team door—and pre-season could be the moment they break it down. With Amorim eager to reshape the identity of a club that’s lost its way, youth could play a crucial role in the rebuild.

If the likes of Chido Obi, Diego Leon, and Shea Lacey seize their chances over the coming weeks, they won’t just be pre-season standouts. They could be part of the solution for a team desperate to return to the top.

One thing is clear: Manchester United’s future might be brighter than the recent past. All it takes now is the courage to let these young stars shine.