100% long balls, 100% dribbles, 7 clearances: United wonderkid’s display vs Villa showed why Amorim trusts him

Manchester United fought hard but had to return from Villa Park empty-handed as Aston Villa grabbed a 2-1 win on Sunday. It was the hosts who took the lead against the run of play thanks to a world-class goal from Morgan Rogers. The lead did not last long as Matheus Cunha scored on the cusp of half-time. But despite a diligent effort, it was Rogers again who stepped up to ensure the three points remained at Villa Park. Cunha could have grabbed a brace of his own, but his header from five yards away went wide. Ayden Heaven impresses again With Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, and Casemiro all missing, it was expected to be major struggle. That feeling was exacerbated when Bruno Fernandes was subbed off at half-time after picking up an injury. But credit to the players for sticking to the task, with the head coach showcasing a bold new vision for the future with three bold tweaks. StatValue Minutes Played90 Goals0 Assists0 Total Shots0 Accurate Passes41 / 47 (87%) Chances Created0 Expected Assists (xA)0.02 xG + xA0.02 Fantasy Points3 Defensive Contributions12 Touches64 Touches in Opposition Box2 Successful Dribbles1 / 1 (100%) Passes into Final Third1 Accurate Long Balls1 / 1 (100%) Dispossessed1 Tackles2 Last Man Tackle1 Blocks2 Clearances7 Headed Clearances6 Interceptions1 Recoveries4 Dribbled Past0 Ground Duels Won3 / 4 (75%) Aerial Duels Won4 / 5 (80%) Was Fouled0 Fouls Committed0 stats via fotmob Someone who impressed on the night was Ayden Heaven, starting his fourth consecutive Premier League game at the heart of the defence. He showed why Amorim has placed his trust in him. The 19-year-old read the danger excellently for the most part, completing two tackles, including a last-ditch one as well two blocks. The Englishman also completed seven clearances, including six headed ones, as well as making one crucial interception. Scope for improvement He recovered the ball four times, and was not dribbled past even once. The ex-Arsenal starlet was as good on the ball (all stats via fotmob). The England U20 international completed 87 percent of passes, including one into the final third. He completed all long ball attempts, while maintaining a 100 percent dribbling success rate. In the absence of Maguire and De Ligt, Ayden Heaven looks to have made the position his own. All the loan rumours have dissipated as a result. Only thing Amorim will be asking more from him is a bit of aggressiveness when trying to close down opponents in the box. Antoine Semenyo and Rogers’ second half strike are clear examples where he can improve. Feature image Justin Setterfield 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 Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25