Ruben Amorim was delighted with Ayden Heaven’s performance on his Premier League debut for Manchester United against his former club, Arsenal. The 18-year-old defender left Arsenal in January, struggling for first-team opportunities due to competition from senior centre-backs.
Manchester United’s ongoing defensive injury crisis accelerated Heaven’s path to the first team. After making a brief appearance in the FA Cup defeat to Fulham, he was brought on at halftime against Arsenal when Leny Yoro was forced off due to injury.
Heaven slotted in on the left of a back three and delivered a composed performance. He remained disciplined in his defensive duties while also displaying confidence on the ball, impressing both fans and his manager.
Amorim praised the teenager’s display, describing him as comfortable, relaxed, and aggressive. He expressed confidence in Heaven’s future, believing United have a promising player on their hands.
Explaining Yoro’s substitution, Amorim revealed that the defender was dealing with a foot issue, though the extent of the injury remains unclear. United will assess his availability ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
Despite conceding a late equalizer and missing key chances, United showed resilience against Arsenal. The match was played against the backdrop of fan protests, with supporters voicing frustrations about the club’s ownership before, during, and after the game.
Amorim acknowledged that United had to play defensively at times due to the nature of their squad and fixture congestion. He admitted that while such tactics may frustrate fans, the team must find the right balance in their approach.
Regarding the ongoing protests, Amorim reassured supporters that Manchester United remains a club with a deep-rooted identity. He acknowledged the financial challenges fans face but promised that the team will strive to deliver better performances in the future.