Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven cannot wait for next season to start after an unfortunate foot injury impacted his breakthrough campaign for the Red Devils.
Heaven, 18, became the “first recruit” under Ruben Amorim when the youngster swapped the Emirates for Old Trafford in February in a move which cost £1.5 million in compensation, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The Arsenal academy graduate had made one substitute appearance under Mikel Arteta prior to the move, but believed the pathway to first-team football was clearer at United.
And it has proven a wise decision for Heaven, as well as a brilliant piece of business for the Red Devils, after Amorim fast-tracked the 18-year-old’s ascent into his squad.
Heaven donned a Red shirt for the first time against Fulham in the FA Cup as a substitute before making his full debut in the Europa League last-sixteen tie against Real Sociedad a week later.
Amorim admitted he was surprised by the speed at which the youngster has adapted to life at United with the Manchester Evening News contending the “centre back would have made more appearances had he not sustained a foot injury at Leicester City in March and missed 13 games.”
The injury was an unfortunate setback, but the talent was obvious the moment Heaven stepped on to pitch at Old Trafford; as was the confidence and self-assurance the defender radiated, despite his tender years.
Heaven admits he “just want[s] to continue” his journey for his new club after the injury with one eye firmly on next season already after a difficult campaign for United.
“I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been tough, the team has really helped me to play my best and I just want to keep going next season. I always try my hardest when I play to impress people and I think I’ve been doing that. I just want to continue.”
Heaven’s main strength as a defender stems from his excellent technique and outstanding ability to progress the ball forward from deep. In the United squad at present, it is only Lisandro Martinez who offers a similar profile in possession.
However, the Argentina international sustained an ACL injury in February – his third major injury in two years – and was ruled out for the season. He is aiming to return by September but the complicated nature of knee injuries always leaves an element of doubt.
Amorim’s system is heavily reliant upon the outside centre-backs to help in possession and United have suffered in the absence of Martinez’s wand of a left foot. But Heaven has already demonstrated he is ready to take on the LCB role in the Argentine’s stead without compromising on the technical ability his teammate offers the side.
Next season could very well cement the youngster’s transformation from a talented prospect into a key member of Amorim’s team as the 18-year-old aims to “just keep going” for his new club.
Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
