Manchester United youngster Ayden Heaven played 45 minutes against his former club, and did not look out of place.
While Manchester United fans were hoping to see Chido Obi come off the bench and prove a point against Arsenal, it was another former Gunners prospect who got the opportunity.
Following an apparent injury to Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven was brought on as a substitute at half-time.
Heaven quit Arsenal to sign with Manchester United in January, and the 18-year-old centre-back made his debut against Fulham in the FA Cup.
This game against Arsenal was his Premier League debut, and justified his decision to quit the Gunners.
Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
What we saw from Ayden Heaven
Ayden Heaven did not look at all nervous, and played well as part of a back three alongside Victor Lindelof and Matthijs de Ligt.
While he did get dragged out of position a couple of times, he was always able to recover, and he showed some personality, trying to gee up the crowd, and getting physical with his former Arsenal teammates.
Heaven had 18 touches total, winning one tackle, making one interception and making three clearances. He also won three duels.
More United News
At just 18, Heaven has been signed more as a prospect for the future than the immediate presence, but injuries have provided an opportunity, with Lisandro Martinez out for the season and Harry Maguire missing the last two games.
MUTV pundits give verdict
Ayden Heaven’s performance in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal was a topic of conversation in the MUTV studio post-game.
Former Red Fraizer Campbell was full of praise, commending the teenager: “Very comfortable. He was up for the challenge. He used his pace, used his strength really well.
“We’ve seen a little glimpse of him before, but he looked really strong out there today. And that’s what you want from young lads who come in.
“Use the fresh legs. We’ve got a lot of injuries, you’ve got to come in and step up and give the same level of performance from the senior pros.”
Champions League winner Wes Brown was in total agreement, commenting: “Very composed when he had the ball. There was a couple of times I thought that his man got past him, but he just showed him out, and then calms himself and gets a good pass.
“He’s been definitely a good player that the manager’s brought in, you’re not sure what to do sometimes with the young lads, because it’s difficult. You don’t want to feel too much pressure. But he doesn’t feel that at all.”
Heaven is now in contention to start for Manchester United against Real Sociedad later this week in a decisive knockout second leg.