“That was the game”: United’s rising star shines light on why he chose Old Trafford over queue of clubs

Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven has made an incredible impact at the club despite only joining in the winter market.

He may only have played six senior games for the first team but his exciting brand of defending has already sparked intrigue in the United fanbase.

The former Arsenal youngster has given a detailed interview with The Athletic outlining various key aspects of his time at Old Trafford to date.

Premier League debut

The 18 year old defender was called off the bench in March to replace the injured Leny Yoro against his former club Arsenal.

The youngster did not put a foot wrong and his performance received positive reviews from across the media.

Speaking on the moment he claimed, “I was confident, to be fair, because I literally trained with them every day, so I kind of knew each individual and their attributes. It was surreal, probably one of my best moments in life.”

Why United?

United fended off significant competition to secure the signing of the youngster in the winter from teams like FC Barcelona, Chelsea and Eintracht Frankfurt.

It was the path to the first team that was presented at Old Trafford that won the argument for Ruben Amorim’s side, however.

Heaven explained, “it was time for a new challenge and to experience new things, a different place in the country, different style of football. I felt like it was easier for me to get in United’s first team and it’s working out so far. I just want to continue it.”

The young defender was also impressed by his visit to the famous old stadium to see United beat Rangers 2-1 in the Europa League in January.

He elaborated, “that was the game that made my mind up, really, because I’ve never been to a louder stadium than that. It was really noisy and the staff in the directors’ box were really kind.”

Positional change

Despite the youngster’s impressive maturity and calmness at centre back, it is hard to believe that Heaven has only played the position for a couple of seasons.

Commenting on his past in the Arsenal youth teams he stated, “I only moved into defence when I was about 15, so it was quite late. Then I only started playing centre-back when I was 16, a first-year scholar. I was a left-back before I went to centre-half. I played everywhere, really. The coaches thought I was more suited there and it’s worked out.”

He credits Arsenal coach Per Mertesacker as the man who saw his potential to play in the centre of defence.

Positive influences at Carrington

The youngster was also very complimentary of how welcome he has felt during his short time at the club and claimed that Darren Fletcher has been very good with him.

He said, “Darren Fletcher helps me a lot in training and matches. My first day at Carrington, he spoke with me. I think he does tend to help a lot of young players.”

Heaven also praised the role of Harry Maguire and Mason Mount for taking the time to make sure he felt settled at the club and during training.

Goal ambitions

United fans will also be excited about the young defender’s words on goals.

Heaven found the back of the net against Hong Kong in the post-season tour of Asia in May and he has claimed that he wants to chase this feeling even more.

Commenting on the ambition he asserted, “I want to score more goals from set pieces. You see Gabriel and (Virgil) van Dijk, and defenders like Maguire as well. I want to be like them, in the box scoring headers. I think that’s always a plus to have as a defender. It’s more of a mental thing as well. You’ve got to believe you’re going to score this goal.”

Heaven will want to impress Amorim this summer in pre-season and will hope that he can solidify his place in United’s starting line up to face his former side Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday 17th August.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social