Manchester United look set to be without one defender after he picked up an injury on international duty, which required “extensive treatment”.
Before the international break, Manchester United impressed in a comfortable win against newly promoted Sunderland. Rúben Amorim went into the Premier League match needing a win with a crucial game against Liverpool after the break.
The poor start to the season had created doubts over Amorim’s future, but the win against Sunderland – along with a public backing from Sir Jim Ratcliffe – appears to have solidified his position for the time being.
When United’s internationals return, they face a tough test as the Red Devils make the short trip to Anfield to face Arne Slot’s title-winning side. United have struggled against Liverpool in recent years, so a positive performance against Liverpool will be crucial.
While Amorim prepares for the derby next weekend, he will be attempting to solve some of the issues that have plagued his side at the start of the season. One of the biggest problems appears to have been in the backline, with United conceding several sloppy goals despite dominant performances.
Senne Lammens appears to have inserted confidence in the back three, but concerns remain about the defence in front of him. Amorim could be looking to make changes, but he looks set to be without at least one first-team defender.
Heaven to miss Liverpool match through injury
Ayden Heaven has only made two appearances for United this season, but the former Arsenal defender has proved he is good enough to play regular football with his performances last season after Lisandro Martínez’s injury.
While Luke Shaw has been the starting left-centre-back this season, Heaven has been pushing for a place and could’ve featured against Liverpool. However, the 19-year-old looks set to miss the derby through injury after picking up an issue on international duty.
Alongside Elyh Harrison, Shea Lacey and Ethan Wheatley, Heaven joined the England under-20s squad for the international break. The England youngsters took on Switzerland at St. George’s Park on Friday afternoon, and Heaven went down with an injury in the first minute.
Despite requiring “extensive treatment”, Heaven continued for the rest of the first half, but didn’t emerge for the second 45. After the game, Ben Futcher – the England under-20s manager – told BBC Sport: “He picked something up.”
“I don’t think it is too serious, but we will have to see how it settles down.” England under-20s won’t play another competitive match this international break, so United fans will have to wait until Amorim’s press conference for official news on Heaven’s injury.
Heaven should be loaned in January
Heaven was among the best players in a United shirt last season, but this year – in the absence of Champions League and Carabao Cup football – his playing time has been heavily restricted.
With Martínez close to a return, Heaven will be the third-choice left-sided centre-back with no mid-week football until December. His best chance of playing before the January transfer window is if United go ahead with a friendly in Saudi Arabia.
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Harry Amass and Radek Vitek have already shown the benefits of a loan move to the Championship, as both players have become fan favourites during their short time at Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City, respectively.
Heaven should follow suit and move on loan to the EFL in the winter transfer window, before returning to Old Trafford at the beginning of next season as a real first-time candidate.
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