The “big-game” version of Manchester United turned up again and it was Arsenal at the end of it (again!) as Ruben Amorim’s men drew 1-1 at Old Trafford.
Far from being a smash-and-grab, Man Utd created the better chances and would’ve won were it not for some stunning David Raya saves.
Bruno Fernandes will grab the headlines for his sublime free-kick, while teammate Alejandro Garnacho was brilliant too, as Ruben Amorim admitted himself.
However, amidst the sea of positives, one stood out among all others. Man Utd have a new bonafide first-team player after this game.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man Utd’s newest first-team player
The injury bug, which seemed to have subsided with the arrival of Ruben Amorim, has reared its ugly head once again, and it was apparent more than ever against Arsenal.
The bench consisted of a who’s who of academy products, and the backup goalkeepers beyond some players as the squad is stretched extremely thin.
In the crisis, however, comes opportunity, and after Chido Obi established himself as an option with a great cameo against Fulham, it was time for another youngster to step up.
Step up is what Ayden Heaven did against Arsenal, with the youngster called upon earlier than Amorim would’ve liked due to Leny Yoro’s knock.
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Not only was Heaven up against one of the best attacks in the league, it was also his former team, leaving which had his character questioned.
Heaven was a defensive menace against Arsenal, be it in one-on-one situations or defending in space via intelligent positioning and anticipation.
He locked down that left side in his 45 minutes, leading to Amorim singing praises of Heaven after the game.
Amorim knew Heaven has forced United into making a choice. He’s a genuine first-team option now.
Ayden Heaven can’t be held back
For a player who was paraded around as a genuine first-team signing, Man Utd fans had some concerns when he made his club debut for the U21s.
It reminded of the likes of Facundo Pellistri and Amad, both of whom were clearly not ready at the time but promoted as first-team signings by a panicked board.
Add to the fact that Heaven was not really on a cusp of a breakthrough at Arsenal and those concerns were exacerbated.
However, with his recent cameos, topped off with a 45-minute brilliance against Arsenal, Heaven has ensured that the days of playing U21s football should be behind him.
Amorim stressed the need to control the player after the game and not letting him get carried away, but that needs to be done by managing his minutes, not sending him back to the U21s.
That simply isn’t an option after that performance against his former team. There’s no looking back.