Ayden Heaven joined Manchester United in January and transitioned quickly into the first team under Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United’s recruitment has been heavily criticised for many years, but now Ineos have taken control of football operations, only to change the club’s strategy in the transfer market.
There has been a clear emphasis put on signing younger players like Leny Yoro, Sekou Kone and Chido Obi. It suggests that Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to build a young squad with the aim of future success.
United fans will appreciate the long-term view, but results must dramatically improve on the pitch over the next year. The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League last season and won’t have any European football to look forward to next term.
There has already been movement in the market this summer, with United announcing the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves. The Brazilian will be part of United’s pre-season tour squad as Ruben Amorim prepares his players for the 2025/26 campaign.
Ayden Heaven celebrates goal for Manchester United
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Manchester United via Getty Images
Jason Wilcox pulled off a masterstroke to sign Ayden Heaven
United made two signings in the January transfer window following the departure of Dan Ashworth as sporting director.
It saw Jason Wilcox take on some of Ashworth’s responsibilities, which led to him becoming the club’s most senior football executive.
The first signing in January was Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.
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According to The Athletic, Wilcox’s role in the transfer led to him getting a promotion at United, as his last-ditch move helped persuade Heaven to turn down approaches from other clubs.
Wilcox found out that Eintracht Frankfurt officials had met with Heaven during the winter transfer window before arranging for the teenager to visit Old Trafford for the Europa League meeting with Rangers on January 23.
The report states, “United rolled out the red carpet” that evening, giving Heaven seats in the directors’ box in the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand where he met Sir Alex Ferguson.
Wilcox worked his magic by persuading Heaven that if he joined United, he would settle quickly into an environment well-suited to him, under a coach committed to playing a back three made up of defenders who are comfortable on the ball.
Heaven’s contract was expiring, and it is suggested that Chelsea and Newcastle were proposing more attractive financial packages for the young defender. He was also considered by Barcelona and Marseille.
With just 10 minutes of senior football under his belt, Wilcox was telling the 18-year-old what he wanted to hear. It proved a worthy move as he became a key part of Amorim’s team in the second half of the season.
Ayden Heaven emerges as a first-team contender
Despite costing a mere £1.5 million, Heaven has proven to be a shrewd addition.
United have a range of centre-backs heading into the 2025/26 season, even though two have left the club following the departures of Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof.
It could be argued that Heaven replaces both Evans and Lindelof, even though he’s made just over a handful of appearances for the club.
Heaven has played six games for United’s first team after leaving Arsenal in January.
Games Goals Assists
6 0 0
Ayden Heaven stats for Manchester United
The young defender will be aiming to at least double that number of appearances next season, especially after proving his worth on Amorim’s side before getting injured.