Journo: Amorim’s ‘big call’ isn’t paying off, one Red is having a ‘pretty torrid’ first half vs Irons

Ruben Amorim made an audacious change to his starting XI this evening when granting Ayden Heaven his first start of the season.Heading into the clash against West Ham, the Manchester United youngster had featured only twice in the opening 13 matches of the term.He made a brief three-minute cameo in the closing stages of the draw with Fulham back in August before playing for 25 minutes in United’s 4-2 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on October 25.Ayden Heaven awarded rare start amid United absences(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Amorim has included Heaven in his matchday squad for every gameweek thus far, showing he does maintain faith that the centre-half can do a job when called upon – such as tonight.With Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire ruled out through injury, the 19-year-old got the nod to fill in for his senior counterparts at the back.As well as the duo, Leny Yoro has also dropped to the bench after struggling last time out against Crystal Palace, during which he conceded the foul to award Palace their first-half spot-kick and subsequent goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta.When pressed on the Frenchman’s absence before kick-off, Amorim stated it was ‘just a tactical issue’. “It’s just a tactical issue” Ruben Amorim explains his decision to leave Leny Yoro out of the starting lineup 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/F9QmwClF0R — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 4, 2025Journalist reacts to Heaven’s display early on(Getty Images)Within the first eight minutes of action at Old Trafford tonight, Heaven had been brandished a yellow card, meaning he has to be on his absolute best behaviour for however long he’s trusted on the pitch – perhaps even for the full 90 minutes.“Pretty torrid opening 11 minutes from Heaven. Got too tight against [Callum] Wilson, booked and even that back pass did [Senne] Lammens no favours. Big call pitting him against Wilson,” reacted Samuel Luckhurst on Twitter.A moment later, he added: “Yoro [is] already warming up.”