Manchester United star’s “brilliant” unnoticed moment vs Arsenal highlighted, he must start vs Real Sociedad

An unnoticed “brilliant” moment from one Manchester United star has been highlighted, and it shows he must start when Rúben Amorim selects his team to face Real Sociedad.

Manchester United and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes’ stunning free-kick canceled out by Declan Rice’s long-range strike.

Arsenal dominated possession early but struggled to create chances. Despite that, United took the lead just before half-time as Fernandes curled a superb free-kick past David Raya.

After the break, United were forced into a change, with Ayden Heaven replacing the injured Leny Yoro. The hosts then came close to doubling their lead, but Raya denied Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee with brilliant saves.

Arsenal found their equalizer when Rice rifled a powerful shot past André Onana. Rúben Amorim responded by bringing on Rasmus Højlund and Toby Collyer, but United were denied a late winner as Raya produced a stunning double save to secure a point for the visitors.

Heaven’s “brilliant” moment pointed out

While United fans were worried to see Yoro forced off at half-time, Heaven put in a fantastic second-half display in the Frenchman’s absence, with former strikers Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer agreeing he did “really well” during a fresh episode of The Rest is Football Podcast.

However, it was former Premier League defender Micah Richards who went into greater detail about the 18-year-old’s display, explaining he felt it was Heaven’s “brilliant” opening headed clearance that set him up for his performance on Sunday afternoon.

“I think when he watched the game, his first touch was a header because I always watch defenders when they come up. Just make sure your first touch is good,” the experienced ex-pro said.

“The ball come in and he headed away, it was brilliant and that’s when you can get the confidence.

“You just want to do the basics, don’t you? And I thought he did the basics really well when he came on for Yoro.”

Heaven must start against Sociedad

United are in a bit of a crisis at the back, with Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, and Lisandro Martínez having all been unavailable to face Arsenal, and with no clarification on if Yoro will be fit to face Sociedad, Heaven may be called for his first start.

The young defender joined from Arsenal in the January transfer window for a fee of around £1 million, but was overshadowed by the arrival of Patrick Dorgu.

Read More: Manchester United release double injury update after Leny Yoro worry vs Arsenal

However, his two displays for the club so far, off the bench against Fulham in the FA Cup for 30 minutes of extra time and the 45 minutes against Arsenal, have shown a player who is not afraid to launch himself into aerial duels while maintaining a steady head and playing well with the ball at his feet.

With Maguire, Yoro, Martínez, and Evans all possibly out, this leaves only Matthijs de Ligt, Victor Lindelöf, Heaven, and possibly Mazraoui available to start against Real Sociedad, and with fans not sold on Lindelöf, it may be time for Heaven to start.

This would allow Noussair Mazraoui to start on his preferred right-hand side of the back three, De Ligt to play in the middle, where he has thrived of late, and Heaven, who is left-footed, to tart on the left of the back line.

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