Ruben Amorim certainly demonstrated his faith in Ayden Heaven during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford.
After the game Amorim confirmed that Leny Yoro needed to be replaced at half-time owing to a foot injury, meaning he’ll need to be monitored before the second leg of Man United’s Europa League tie with Real Sociedad this week.
Of course, Yoro’s issue meant that Heaven was thrust into the spotlight against his boyhood side Arsenal who he only left in January.
Heaven slotted in at left centre-back in Amorim’s back three, meaning he spent most of the half dealing with the threat of Gabriel Martinelli returning from injury.
And against some of his old teammates Heaven stood up admirably – perhaps proving why he deserved more chances at Arsenal.
Ayden Heaven shows Arsenal how much talent they lost in January
Arsenal did try to keep Heaven at the club, but the youngster was clearly convinced that he would receive more chances elsewhere.
That being said, all of Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards gave their thoughts on Heaven’s display on ‘The Rest Is Football’ podcast.
READ MORE: Tim Sherwood has a concerning theory about why Ruben Amorim got the Man Utd job
The trio were all impressed by the 18-years-old contribution, an ‘assured’ presence on the ball.
Lineker began the chat: “Heaven came on, I love that name – Heaven. There’s a headline there to be had at some point. I thought he did really well.”
Shearer replied: “Yeah he did, I thought he did really well. He looked comfortable and assured and a couple of important tackles and blocks. Yeah, he did really well in the second half, he did.”
Richards: “I think when he watched the game, his first touch was a header, because I always watch defenders when they come up. Just make sure your first touch is good.
“The ball come in and he headed away, it was brilliant and that’s when you can get the confidence.
“You just want to do the basics, don’t you? And I thought he did the basics really well when he came on for Yoro.”
Ruben Amorim says Ayden Heaven might even be ‘too relaxed’
Speaking at his press conference after the 1-1 draw, which United fully deserved, Amorim also praised Heaven’s contribution.
The United boss said that Heaven was ‘so relaxed’ which is perhaps a sign of the youngster’s confidence in his own ability.
Man United fans loved Heaven’s display, and Amorim appeared to be aware that there was still a long road ahead to keep developing the 18-year-old.
Amorim said: “Ayden’s so relaxed. He seems so relaxed that sometimes he’s too relaxed.
“But I think we have a player there, so now we have to control and to tell him that was just the game, et cetera, et cetera.
“Leny, he has something in his foot, I think. We’ll see if he’s available for Thursday.”
