‘He’s been fantastic’: In-form Red earns glistening seal of approval from club legend, he’ll be delighted

Stretty News

·17 marzo 2025

‘He’s been fantastic’: In-form Red earns glistening seal of approval from club legend, he’ll be delighted

Manchester United fans have been left sweating over the condition of Ayden Heaven after he was stretchered off during last night’s win over Leicester City.

Prior to his 51st-minute substitution, the youngster had endured a scintillating first half in his maiden Premier League start, making three clearances, two blocks and two successful take-ons.

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Additionally, Heaven recorded an 89 per cent passing accuracy, won 83 per cent of his ground duels, and was not dribbled past once in the first half (StatmanDave).

You feel for any player who suffers an evidently agonising injury setback, but particularly an 18-year-old who’s only just navigating his first outings in senior football.

Post-match, Ruben Amorim was unable to provide any concrete updates on Heaven’s issue, although supporters did feel some solace when journalists confirmed he had walked out of the King Power Stadium with a protective boot – but unaided.

Heaven earns glistening praise from club legend

Heaven has exceeded expectations since beng trusted with a starting role. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney was keen to give credit where it was due when he reviewed the night’s affairs on Match of the Day.

When questioned on his own experiences of breaking into the United first-team as a teenager and handling such substantial pressure, he likened his experiences to Heaven’s, telling the panel: “Yeah, obviously, it’s a huge football club, and at this time it’s not maybe going right, to come in and play for Manchester United at 18, it’s a lot of pressure.

“Because those expectations are on you from the first minute, but I think in the games he’s played, I think he’s been fantastic.

“I came in as an 18-year-old at Manchester United, and you do feel that pressure, but to come in as a centre-back, which is obviously that position where you can’t afford to make mistakes otherwise you get punished, is very difficult, and he looks like he’s been there for years. So that’s the biggest compliment I can give him.”