Ruben Amorim’s Reds got off to an unfortunate start in 2025/2026. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Manchester United teenager Ayden Heaven prevented his team from going 0-3 down in what has been a disastrous evening for the Reds in Grimsby.
The Premier League giants were pitted against the League Two side in the second round of the Carabao Cup. Ruben Amorim may have expected it to be a walk in the park, so he fielded a weaker lineup, giving opportunities for the players who have hardly featured in the first two round of the Premier League.
Man United conceded twice in the first half
Sadly for Man Utd, this has been anything but easy thus far, with Grimsby taking a two-goal lead in the first half. A nice passing combination culminated with a lovely half-volley from Charles Vernam who beat Andre Onana at his near post.
The Cameroonian then had an even more shocking blunder, as an ill-advised exit saw him bunding over an opponent, which allowed Tyrell Warren to double the minnows’ lead.
After the interval, Amorim immediately brought in his captain, Bruno Fernandes, in addition to Matthijs de Ligt and Bryan Mbeumo. However, it was Grimsby who almost scored the third goal.
Ayden Heaven denied Grimsby a third goal
But luckily for Man Utd, Heaven saved a shot that appeared to be destined for goal, as he slid in to block it with his chest.
Ayden Heaven saved Manchester United from 3:0 disgrace 😭🤣🤣pic.twitter.com/rgK9QwLAHO
— Darren (@MUFCDarren_) August 27, 2025
Although it hasn’t been the 18-year-old’s best outing in a United shirt, this is the sort of intervention that earned him wide praise last season. England legend Wayne Rooney once hailed him as a ‘fantastic’ player.
The young defender has now made way for Mason Mount, as Man United continue to chase the result. They remain 0-2 down and have less than half of football to avoid a catastrophic result that will add another embarrassment to the banter era.
