Wayne Rooney admits he’s blown away by “fantastic” Manchester United star, his signing has been a “real coup”

Wayne Rooney has admitted that he has been blown away by one Manchester United star’s “fantastic” performances, with his signing labelled a “real coup” by the ex-striker.

Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory over Leicester City, with goals from Rasmus Højlund, Alejandro Garnacho, and Bruno Fernandes lifting Rúben Amorim’s side to 13th in the Premier League.

Højlund opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark, finishing a perfectly weighted pass from Fernandes. Leicester pressed for an equaliser before the break, but Wilfred Ndidi and Patson Daka couldn’t capitalise on their chances.

Early in the second half, Ayden Heaven was stretchered off and replaced by Toby Collyer. Garnacho had a goal disallowed for offside but soon made up for it with a brilliant turn and finish to make it 2-0.

Fernandes put the result beyond doubt in the closing moments, curling in a superb strike to secure an emphatic win for United.

Rooney raves about Heaven’s displays

Before his injury, Heaven was once again commanding at the back as the 18-year-old started his first game in the Premier League. He impressed with the ball at his feet while also sniffing out danger.

Speaking with Match of the Day after the game, United legend and former striker Wayne Rooney admitted that he’s been blown away by the teenager’s recent “fantastic” displays, dealing with the pressure of the badge with dignity and confidence.

“Obviously it’s a huge football club, and at this time now when it’s not maybe going right, to come in and play for Manchester United at 18, it’s a lot of pressure because their expectations are on you from the first minute,” Rooney said.

“But I think in the games he’s played, I think he’s been fantastic. I came in as an 18-year-old at Manchester United and you do feel that pressure.

“But to come in as a centre-back, which is obviously a position where you can’t afford to make mistakes otherwise you get punished, is very difficult, and he looks like he’s been there for years. That’s the biggest compliment I can give him.”

Heaven’s signing is a “real coup”

United announced the signing of Heaven from Arsenal for around £1 million in January, with some questioning why United would invest in a player Arsenal were ready to see depart for a comparatively nominal fee.

Rooney explained he feels that, despite not starting a game for them, his experience at Arsenal will have helped him settle into life in Manchester quickly, and that his signing from the North London outfit is a “real coup” for the club.

"He looks like he's been there for years".

Have Man Utd found a star in Ayden Heaven? ⭐️#MOTD2 pic.twitter.com/d3cJ6yY2un

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 16, 2025

When asked if the club’s current state adds further pressure on those such as Heaven on the pitch, Rooney continued: “Yeah, there is. And obviously, he’s coming from Arsenal as well. He knows what it’s like to be at a big club, being at Arsenal. So I think that will have helped him.

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“But he doesn’t look like he’s playing with pressure. He looks calm. He’s composed. He gives them good balance, obviously, with his left foot. He looks quick. It looks like he likes defending. So I think he’s a real coup for Manchester United.”

Heaven’s injury looked very serious when he was stretchered off, but there is now hope that the player may not have suffered a problem that will keep him out for a significant length of time.

It’s expected that United will receive a more comprehensive prognosis later this week.

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