Manchester United saw off Chelsea with a makeshift centre-half pairing that featured former Arsenal youngster Ayden Heaven, who Rio Ferdinand has hailed after the win
Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for a rare piece of impressive transfer business
Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for a rare piece of impressive transfer business(Image: Michael Regan - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven - the 19-year-old whom they signed from Arsenal.
A host of injuries and suspensions left the Red Devils' backline stretched for their trip to Chelsea, leaving Michael Carrick to call upon Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui. Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez were all missing, but United still kept a clean sheet as they landed three points.
Matheus Cunha scored their winner at Stamford Bridge, but both Heaven and Mazraoui were classy operators at the heart of the defence. Heaven only moved to Manchester from Arsenal, where he spent his youth career but only played one game, in 2025.
Ferdinand confessed that the transfer activity from his former side has been dire over the past decade, but they look to have landed an absolute bargain with Heaven looking full of potential.
He said on social media: "The recruitment has taken a battering at Manchester United over the last 10 years & rightly so. But we need to shout out Ayden Heaven - £1m! Still lots to learn but called upon once again and delivered!"
Carrick's impressive spell in charge continued as United further tightened their grip on third spot. It was an impressive response after they were shocked by Leeds on Monday. The Red Devils boss full of praise for the two centre-halves who were tasked with stepping up.
He said: “I thought Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui coming in were incredible, Ayden being such a young age and Noussair not really playing centre-back in a back four. I have to give the coaching staff a lot of credit on getting the boys ready for that. I thought the boys put a magnificent performance in tonight.”
Ayden Heaven put in an assured performance on Saturday night
Ayden Heaven put in an assured performance on Saturday night
View 2 Images
Heaven has played 16 times in all competitions for United this term. He was unlikely to enjoy such minutes at the Emirates with Arsenal already boasting one of the best backlines in Europe. The duo of Gabriel and William Saliba are near impossible to dislodge, leaving back-ups waiting for minutes.
The teenager has continued to step up in Manchester when given an opportunity. He isn't the only young player to recently swap the Emirates for Old Trafford, with striker Chido Obi-Martin also making the switch.