Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has waxed lyrical about Ayden Heaven, following his stellar performance in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Bruno Fernandes broke the deadlock moments before the break with a brilliant free-kick effort. United had chances to score and it looked like they were headed for all three points but the visitors equalised with 16 minutes left to play through a fine strike from Declan Rice.
A number of United players did well, including Heaven, who was introduced at half-time for his Premier League debut.
The January signing replaced Leny Yoro, who was withdrawn due to an injury.
After the final whistle, Amorim spoke to reporters and praised Heaven, who was solid and helped the Red Devils secure a valuable point.
Amorim also gave his verdict on United’s performance.
The Portuguese coach said, “Just the low block…the way to give the ball to the opponent. It’s the spirit to follow the plan, to be together…that’s a good thing. This is an example for the future, but I’m just saying about the low block and you can feel a little bit the frustration of our fans in the first half.”
Amorim emphasised that he does not want United to be a team that primarily plays in a low block.
“The plan was perfect. What I mean is that we have to have more possession of the ball, more control of the ball and press a little bit high. We press sometimes, especially in the goal kicks and free kicks near Raya’s goal. We press quite well but in the future, I want to play different football – to spend more time attacking with the ball in the final third than defending in the low block.”
On playing better against bigger teams than perceived weaker opponents, Amorim answered, “I don’t know, maybe it’s because in those games it’s a little bit more acceptable to play a low block and that can help us a lot. Against other teams, we have to push forward and that’s why it’s difficult here [at home].”
“Sometimes you have to press high and it’s more difficult. Sometimes the characteristics of the players are not there to do that but when you train and play in a club like ours, sometimes you have to push forward no matter what and I think that’s the biggest reason for that to happen.”
Asked whether he expects to have some players back for Thursday’s Europa League meeting with Real Sociedad, Amorim replied, “Maybe Ugarte, I don’t know. We’ll see.”
On Fernandes, Amorim explained, “He steps up all the time. Sometimes he can show some frustration and in some moments that can hurt him and I understand that because he wants to win.”
“But again, he’s almost always available. He’s always there to play different positions and sometimes when we need a goal, free kick or assist, he’s always there, so I think he’s a very good example. He makes some mistakes, that’s normal but he’s a very good example for the other players.”
On why his players often seem to be more energetic in the second half than the opening 45 minutes, Amorim said, “Because you are in front of the results and then you are in the second half and feel like you can score. When you are in this moment you don’t feel so tired.”
“When you start the game you know that you have 90 minutes and you have to defend so you don’t suffer a goal. think it’s more a plan. If you can be in the game or on top of the game at half time, in the second half you will be more dangerous and the players feel more confident.”
“We believe more during games because you feel comfortable like you can do this and we’re growing more in confidence during the game.”
“In the beginning, we try to understand but during the game [it’s more comfortable]. I felt that again in Spain during the game, we increased our confidence and quality.
Amorim emphasised that going forward, it’s important United sign players who have the same mentality and ability as Fernandes.
He noted that United “more Brunos.”
On Heaven, Amorim told reporters, “Ayden is so relaxed, sometimes he is too relaxed! I think we have a player there that we have to control.”
“Leny has something in his foot. We will see if he is available for Thursday.”
United remain 14th in the table with 34 points gained from a possible 84.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
