“You can’t switch off”: United wonderkid on having to earn Amorim’s trust by playing in unfamiliar role

When Ruben Amorim announced that Matthijs de Ligt had suffered an injury, most Manchester United fans were dreading the worst. The Dutchman had been one of the most consistent performers this season, and coupled with Harry Maguire‘s absence, there was a genuine threat that the backline would implode. And while United have conceded nine goals in those six games, Ayden Heaven has impressed one and all with his calm demeanour and fighting spirit. A left-footed defender, he would have been expected to occupy the left side of the back three. Instead, the head coach opted to play him at the heart of the defence. Unfamiliar role for Ayden Heaven It was his first experience in that position, and did take some getting used to, as seen from his shaky performance against West Ham, when he had to be substituted at half-time following an early yellow card. But since, the ex-Arsenal youth product has made the position his own, and has in the process, earned the Portuguese tactician’s trust. “That middle [spot] is probably one of the most important, because you can’t switch off, can you?” the 19-year-old told the club’s media team. “You’re alone against the striker really, so you can’t afford to switch off. It was great obviously and it was true that it was my first time ever playing there, so it was a lot different. “It’s a risk when you’re running a yellow, so I understood that (the west Ham and I was confident going into the Wolves game. I felt like I had a good game.” Keep the faith The England U20 international has started six games on the trot, and during that time, he has played as the central defender, as well as part of a back four and on the right in a back three. This kind of versatility will have pleased the head coach. And it has all but ended rumours of a potential January exit. While Ayden Heaven will be pleased with his own form, the club have continued to flounder on the pitch, being held to a disappointing 1-1 draw against bottom-of-the-barrel Wolverhampton Wanderers. Yet, the United No.26 urged fans not to lose faith. “Just stick with us, you know? Even in the tough times. We’re improving as a team, as you can see.” It is certainly getting a lot harder to back the project. The 20-time English league champions are next in action against fierce rivals Leeds United away at Elland Road on Sunday. Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25