Man United Chelsea Heaven Gusto
(Credit: Imago and Sky Sports)
Keith Hackett
Sat 17 May 2025 17:15, UK
Keith Hackett has given his verdict on a controversial collision between Man United centre-back Ayden Heaven and Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that both players could have been booked for the nature of their challenges in stoppage time, and wanted to see a full VAR review at the monitor.
Chelsea claimed a 1-0 win over Man United at Stamford Bridge on Friday (16 May), putting them in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League on the final day of the season.
A 70th minute goal from Marc Cucurella following a brilliant Reece James assist was enough to secure all three points for Enzo Maresca’s side.
There were though plenty of controverial moments during the course of the game, something which continued until the final minutes.
Liverpool Chelsea
Malo Gusto clashed with Ayden Heaven (Credit: Paul Terry / Sportimage)
Ayden Heaven clashes with Malo Gusto on return to action
Heaven only joined Man United from Arsenal earlier this season, with the young centre-back quickly getting his chance at senior level.
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However, it had looked as though his season had come to a premature end when Heaven picked up a serious injury against Leicester back in March.
Despite that, the centre-back was back on the pitch for Ruben Amorim’s side in this match, coming off the bench for the final ten minutes.
Man United last five games Result
Athletic Bilbao (A) Won 3-0
Brentford (A) Lost 4-3
Athletic Bilbao (H) Won 4-1
West Ham (H) Lost 2-0
Chelsea (A) Lost 1-0
After a period out though, the Man United youngster did look somewhat rusty, with a loose touch inside his area in stoppage time almost putting him in trouble.
As he looked to recover that situation, Heaven and Gusto would both lunge into each other in a 50/50 challenge, leaving the Chelsea man on the floor crying out in pain.
Referee Chris Kavanagh then elected to show a yellow card to the Man United defender, with VAR confirming that decision after checking for a potential red card.
Now, Hackett believes that was just about the correct decision, while also suggesting that Gusto could have been sanctioned for his own part in the challenge.
Chelsea vs Man United 50/50 assessed
After being asked by Football Insider what he felt would have been the correct outcome from that incident, Hackett said:
“The challenge by Ayden Heaven was reckless and close to serious foul play.
“So I support the conclusion of VAR but frankly I would have liked the referee to have reviewed the challenge even though he may have come to the same conclusion.
“The Chelsea player came into the challenge with both feet forward and he should have received a yellow card for his reckless challenge. VAR of course cannot review a yllow card incident.”
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