100% ground duels won, 100% aerial duels won, 8 clearances: this star steered United to win over Newcastle with unbelievable display

Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven produced a stunning performance to help his side to a 1-0 victory over Newcastle. United beat Newcastle United started the much better of the two sides despite missing their captain Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and the AFCON trio of Amad, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui. However, Newcastle steadily grew into the game as they dominated possession and pinned the Red Devils back inside their own half. Against the run of play, United took the lead in the 24th minute through Patrick Dorgu, who was deployed in the right-wing position as Ruben Amorim abandoned his controversial 3-4-2-1 system. Dorgu reacted the fastest to volley a powerful shot into the back of the net, well past the reach of Aaron Ramsdale. United maintained their ascendancy until the second half, when Newcastle raised their intensity in pursuit of an equaliser. Questions were asked of the defence and goalkeeper Senne Lammens, but they had an answer for everything that was thrown at them. Ruben Amorim’s men managed to cling on for all three points –  a result that has seen them climb to fifth place in the Premier League table, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea. Heaven’s performance Heaven has enjoyed a run in the team while Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire recover from injuries, and he has certainly made sure that the more experienced pair are not too missed. He was named in the XI alongside Lisandro Martinez and he undoubtedly delivered. Heaven won 100% of the ground duels and 100% of the aerial duels he vied for – such was the extent of his dominance over the Magpies. The 19-year-old was brilliant on the ball, registering an impressive individual pass accuracy of 94%. He touched the ball 48 times. The defender made eight clearances and delivered three passes into the final third. He committed zero fouls. StatValue Ground duels won100% Aerial duels won100% Pass accuracy94% Total touches48 Clearances8 Passes into final third3 Fouls committed0 Goals conceded0 Ayden Heaven’s game by numbers vs. Newcastle United: 100% ground duels won 100% aerial duels won 94% pass accuracy 48 total touches 8 clearances 3 passes into the final third 0 fouls committed 0 goals conceded United have a very special player on their hands. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/qCKAYt0kYX — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 26, 2025 The sky is the limit for Heaven and he certainly showed that against Newcastle. When United were required to be resolute, he stepped up to the mantle and played with a maturity beyond his years. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!