Football Today
·6 February 2025
‘Ready to play’: 18yo wonderkid could make shock start vs Leicester City with 2 United stars injured – view
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Football Today
·6 February 2025
Manchester United have had a tough Premier League campaign. They have picked up only 29 points after 24 games.
Despite this, they still have plenty to play for. United continue the defence of their FA Cup title against Leicester City tomorrow.
Ahead of the encounter, manager Ruben Amorim could make a surprise selection at left centre-back after two unexpected injuries.
Lisandro Martinez is set to be sidelined for the remainder of the season after a serious knee injury against Crystal Palace last weekend.
Luke Shaw was touted to return for the FA Cup fourth-round tie against the Foxes, but he won’t be involved after a minor injury, as per Amorim.
This could pave the way for a surprise start for 18-year-old Ayden Heaven, who joined the club from rivals Arsenal earlier this month.
Amorim has already acknowledged that Heaven and Patrick Dorgu are ‘ready to play’ tomorrow.
He said in his presser: “We’ll see. You guys have to wait for tomorrow! But they are ready to play and they are two more solutions to help us in this moment.”
The Gunners graduate made just one competitive appearance during his time in north London.
He had a cameo in the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Preston North End. His lack of minutes at Arsenal may have contributed to his move to Old Trafford.
United consider Heaven as a first-team player. The teenager could be set for a surprise debut due to Amorim’s preference to play a left-footer in the left centre-back (LCB) role.
With Martinez and Shaw sidelined, Jonny Evans is an option for the manager, but United have confirmed that the veteran defender has not recovered from his injury.
Hence, Heaven could get his opportunity to impress on Friday. If Amorim opts for a right-footer at LCB, one of Leny Yoro or Noussair Mazraoui could get the nod.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .