Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has told Ayden Heaven two reasons why the playstyle at Old Trafford suits him perfectly.
Ayden Heaven arrived at Manchester United in January from Arsenal for a modest fee of £1.5 million, despite having never started a professional match. The 18-year-old had made just a single substitute appearance for the North London side.
Initially brought in as a potential first-team option under Ruben Amorim, there was widespread skepticism among fans about whether he was truly ready for that level. However, Heaven quickly proved his doubters wrong.
Thrown into high-stakes matches against Fulham, former club Arsenal, and Real Sociedad, the young defender performed with the composure of a seasoned veteran. Amorim even joked that Heaven might be “too calm”, while Wayne Rooney described his performances as “fantastic”.
Injuries limited Heaven to just six appearances over the course of the season. He picked up a knock in the match against Leicester City and suffered a setback during his recovery. Still, he offered a timely reminder of his talent with a strong showing in United’s final-day win over Aston Villa.
Amorim told Heaven two reasons why he suits United playstyle
Amorim has already hinted publicly that Heaven will have a significant role to play next season, with the left centre-back role seeming like a position he can win early in the season while Lisandro Martínez is still out of action.
The United boss is a clear fan of the young defender and made his feelings about him clear when he arrived at the club midway through last season.
Heaven has recalled an early conversation he had with the Portuguese boss, who told him that he would suit the playstyle at Old Trafford really well.
The defender does not only have the ability to drive with the ball at his feet, but also defend the wide channels – two crucial aspects of playing wide centre-back and two things Heaven believes are strengths of his.
“He just said that our play style will suit me, because they play three at a back and I play on the left of the three, so that allows me to run with the ball,” Heaven remembered when speaking to club media. “That’s one of my strengths. And defending out wide is one of my strengths as well.”
Heaven explains why he made switch to United from Arsenal
Heaven has also touched on his reasoning for leaving his boyhood club Arsenal for a move to Old Trafford, with two factors looming large for the teenager.
He has stated that the chances given to young players at United was one of the reasons which convinced him of the move, while the people and fans of the club were another.
“The opportunities that the young players have got here in the past,” he continued.
“I think United had the most minutes given to teenagers last season [2023/24]. That convinced me to come here.
“And the people and the fans here are quite loving, and I felt that when I was playing. They’re so supportive.”
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