Man Utd defender Ayden Heaven was named on the bench against Everton at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Ayden Heaven of Manchester United.(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
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Manchester United handed Ayden Heaven the opportunity to start for the Under-21s against Solihull Moors on Tuesday, following his inclusion in the first-team squad against Everton. Heaven's only senior start of the season came against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round. He lasted 64 minutes at Blundell Park before being replaced by Mason Mount.
The defender has made two appearances from the bench in the Premier League against Fulham and Brighton this term, so the decision was made for Heaven to get minutes into his legs with the U21s. Heaven produced a goal-line clearance at the start of the game. He played 66 minutes and the U21s suffered a 4-1 defeat, which confirmed their exit from the National League Cup with a match to play.
It remains to be seen whether Heaven leaves on loan in the January transfer window. The 19-year-old is seen as a first-team player, but he has made just three senior appearances this season. Heaven was signed from Arsenal for around £1million in the last January window and he received praise from Ruben Amorim on the final day of the Premier League campaign.
Speaking after the 2-0 victory against Aston Villa, Amorim told MUTV: “I think once again Jason Wilcox is doing a great job bringing Ayden. I think these types of players are what we need. He showed a lot of quality and character after the big injury. We want these types of players.”
Mikel Arteta handed Heaven his senior Arsenal debut in a Carabao Cup tie in October 2024, but he rejected a new contract in London and relocated to Manchester for a small transfer fee. Heaven made his United debut against his former club Arsenal at Old Trafford in March. The youngster came on to replace Leny Yoro and made a strong first impression.