Manchester United produced a rallying performance to earn a 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Ruben Amorim walked into a third meeting with Mikel Arteta on Sunday afternoon, just four months after joining Manchester United.
After a Premier League defeat and an FA Cup victory on penalties – both at the Emirates Stadium – United welcomed Arsenal to Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes produced a moment of magic to fire United in front, whipping an inch-perfect free kick beyond David Raya.
United couldn’t hold on though as Declan Rice struck the leveller for Arsenal, handing them a share of the spoils.
United had chances to win the game but it just wasn’t to be as Amorim claimed a 1-1 draw – and dented Arsenal’s title hopes in the process.
Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Ruben Amorim on Ayden Heaven
United were dealt a blow at half time as Leny Yoro picked up an injury.
The Frenchman was substituted and United are lacking options at the back.
More United News
Harry Maguire is out injured and Lisandro Martinez is out for the season, so the next man up on Sunday was Ayden Heaven.
United raided Arsenal to sign Heaven in January with the teenage defender deciding to join the Red Devils.
Heaven came on as a substitute against Fulham in the FA Cup but made his Premier League debut against the Gunners.
The 18-year-old was given a real test against his former club but equipped himself well.
United fans praised Heaven and boss Amorim has now joined in whilst speaking to BBC Sport.
Amorim praised Heaven for being ‘really comfortable’ on the ball but ‘very aggressive’ defensively.
Amorim added a prediction that Heaven will be a ‘very good player’ for United with the teenager’s potential leaving him encouraged.
“I think he did really well. He is really comfortable with the ball. So relaxed, very aggressive and I think we have a very good player there,” said Amorim.
Ayden Heaven can provide balance for Manchester United
United have been playing with right footers on the left side of Amorim’s back three ever since Martinez went down with a major injury.
The Argentinian won’t be back any time soon and playing a right-footer there isn’t always ideal interns of balance.
Heaven is a natural left-footer though and showed the potential to play at Premier League level on Sunday.
This was just 45 minutes and the expectation at United means that quality performances will be needed game after game.
There will be excitement around Heaven after such a strong performance though and he has shown that he can be called upon in Martinez’s absence.