“Outstanding”, “Well done, son”: teammates and legends drooling over United star’s performance vs Newcastle

A highly experimental Manchester United side found a way to overcome Newcastle United on Boxing Day. Star showing Numerous players such as Patrick Dorgu and Lisandro Martinez impressed as United kept only their second clean sheet of the season. Nonetheless, 19-year-old Ayden Heaven’s performance particularly stood out. The defender has not even been at the club for a year, having joined from Arsenal’s academy in the previous winter window. After a tough start to the season, Heaven has taken advantage of United’s injury problems in defence and has become one of the first names on the team sheet recently. After playing just 28 minutes in the first 13 Premier League matches, he has been heavily involved in the last five matches. Pundit and former United star Gary Neville had some kind words for the defender after the match, claiming he had put in a “special” performance where he was “absolutely brilliant” all evening. Further praise Speaking on Sky Sports (in comments via The Mirror), Roy Keane also heaped praise on Heaven, stating, “he did very well. The game suited him. He has learnt his trade. These are basic parts of defending. It gives you confidence. Outstanding.” Neville also added, “Manchester United hung in there. Heaven was absolutely brilliant. Those Newcastle players… four or five of them collapsed to the ground at the end. Heaven has been the man of the match.” It was not only pundits but also teammates who appreciated the fine efforts of the teenager. Heaven posted on Instagram after the match, “What a game, what a team performance we have to build on this! Proud to get MOTM.” Numerous United stars responded in the comments, with Amad claiming, “Prime Ayden”. Lisandro Martinez also posted, “Top Ayden. Top”. Bryan Mbeumo, Shea Lacey and Patrick Dorgu were also active on social media to show their appreciation for Heaven. Ayden Heaven stats vs Newcastle United StatisticValue Goals0 Assists0 Expected Assists (xA)0.01 Defensive Contributions10 Tackles (won)1 (0) Interceptions0 Clearances8 Blocked Shots1 Ground Duels (won)2 (1) Aerial Duels (won)1 (1) Dribbled Past1 Key Passes0 Crosses (accurate)0 (0) Accurate Passes34 / 36 (94%) Passes in Opposition Half (acc.)11 / 12 (92%) Passes in Own Half (acc.)23 / 24 (96%) Touches48 Unsuccessful Touches1 Dribbles (successful)0 (0) Possession Lost3 Total Shots0 Shots on Target0 Shots Blocked0 Source: Sofascore Featured 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 Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.