Manchester United’s injury cloud is slowly clearing ahead of crucial April fixtures with Kobbie Mainoo nearing a return to action as revealed by Ruben Amorim.
Harry Maguire and Mason Mount made their comebacks in the previous game against Nottingham Forest and both came closest to restoring parity.
Luke Shaw is also close to a return while Amad is expected to be back before the season concludes. Lisandro Martinez is the only player out for the season.
There were fears that Ayden Heaven had joined him when he was stretchered off during the Premier League game against Leicester City before the international break.
Heaven injury update
But the injury is not as bad as feared and the centre-back is no longer using a protective boot. And now, the ex-Arsenal starlet has provided an injury update on his Instagram account.
The 18-year-old wrote, “Soon back Reds!”, indicating an imminent return to action. Whether he makes it to the Manchester derby matchday squad remains doubtful.
But hopefully, he should be present for the all-important Europa League quarter-final against Olympique Lyon with the competition United’s last chance at securing Champions League football for next season.
Ayden Heaven via his Instagram story:
“Soon back Reds!❤️” pic.twitter.com/RraxzmJT8B
— SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) April 4, 2025
Heaven has shown during his first team appearances that he can be a key asset, impressing in the left centre-back position in the absence of Martinez.
In fact, despite his age, it was Heaven who looked the most accomplished United defender against the Foxes before his untimely injury.
Club legend Wayne Rooney was effusive in his praise of the centre-back, claiming the England U19 international looked like he was playing senior football for a long time.
“Obviously, it is a huge football club, but at this time now where it is not maybe going right, to come in and play for Manchester United at 18, it is a lot of pressure.
Great displays in a United shirt
“Those expectations are on you from the first minute. But I think in the games he has played, I think he has been fantastic. I came in as an 18-year-old at Manchester United and you do feel that pressure.
“But to come in as a centre-back, which is a position where you cannot afford to make mistakes as you get punished, it is very difficult. But he looks like he has been there for years – and that is the biggest compliment I can give him.”
So impressive has Heaven been that the 20-time English league champions have recalibrated their summer transfer plans since his emergence.
Jarrad Branthwaite was being eyed to strengthen the backline since Martinez is sidelined till next year but the January arrival has been deemed to be good enough to replace the World Cup winner and hence, there is no need to splash the cash to land the Everton ace.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
