Ayden Heaven joined Man United from Arsenal in the winter transfer window for a minimal fee.
Ayden Heaven celebrates after scoring on the post-season tour.
Ayden Heaven has excelled since joining Manchester United.(Image: Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
Manchester United centre-back Ayden Heaven has admitted being in attendance for the 2-1 Europa League win over Rangers in January convinced him to move to Old Trafford earlier this year.
United swooped for the talented defender in February after agreeing a £1.5million compensation fee with Arsenal. His contract at the Emirates Stadium was scheduled to expire in June.
Despite only making one substitute appearance for the Gunners, United insisted Heaven had been signed to play in the first-team at Old Trafford. That was a billing he almost immediately justified.
Either side of an injury that sidelined him for several weeks, Heaven made six appearances in all competitions last term. He was excellent on every occasion, not putting a foot wrong.
He generated interest from several big-name clubs ahead of moving to United, including Barcelona and Chelsea, but being present for the Reds' dramatic Europa League triumph over Rangers convinced him that a move to Old Trafford would be in his best interests.
"That was the game that made my mind up, really, because I've never been to a louder stadium than that," Heaven told The Athletic. "It was really noisy and the staff in the directors' box were really kind."
United director of football Jason Wilcox played a key role in ensuring United won the race for Heaven, 18, and he has been working closely with Ruben Amorim to improve United's standards and help implement the Portuguese chief's philosophy.
A key part of Amorim's blueprint, of course, is his 3-4-2-1 formation, and Heaven could picture himself playing in a back-three prior to putting pen to paper on his United contract.
He continued: "I saw myself playing in that team while I was watching. I felt like three at the back would suit me."
Ayden Heaven in possession for Manchester United.
Ayden Heaven has been excellent since joining Manchester United.
Heaven has not looked out of place on the left of United's defence, showing an excellent reading of the game and a willingness to get on the ball and help United get up the pitch.
His composure on the ball all stems from the fact he started his career much higher up the pitch.
"I only moved into defence when I was about 15, so it was quite late," Heaven added. "Then I only started playing centre-back when I was 16, a first-year scholar.
"I was a left back before I went to centre half. I played everywhere, really. The coaches thought I was more suited there and it's worked out."