Man Utd forward makes loan move to America

Adriana Leon was signed from West Ham United less than a year ago but is already on her way out of the club after a disappointing season in the Women’s Super League.

Described as a “short term” loan move, the 30-year-old Canadian international has moved to Portlands Thorns in the NWSL until June 30 as she looks to secure regular first team football ahead of the World Cup in the summer.

With former Manchester City winger Janine Beckie ruled out due to an ACL injury, the club moved quickly to secure the signature of Leon who will have no doubt been desperate to first team football ahead of the her country’s quest for glory in the summer.

The Canadian was one of several new signings made by the Red Devil’s in the summer, however, the move has not worked out as either would have liked with the winger appearing only nine times for the club, most of them coming from the substitutes bench.

Capped 96 times by her country, Leon first moved to the Women’s Super League in 2019 when she joined the Hammers from Seattle Reign and helped the club to their first ever Women’s FA Cup final in the same year. She was top scorer for the club the following year before the season with curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“An opportunity was presented to us to bring Adriana to Portland and we believe this is a move that is beneficial for both the club and Adriana,” said Portland Thorns General Manager Karina LeBlanc.

“She wants to be here and take advantage of the opportunity in a competitive environment ahead of the World Cup. Adriana has the ability to make an impact as we strengthen this special group with her talent to help continue to push us forward.”

In a short statement on Manchester United’s official site, the club stated: “Everyone at the club wishes Adriana a very successful loan spell in the United States.”