Manchester United and Ruben Amorim established their big-game credentials once again at the cost of Arsenal, drawing 1-1 at Old Trafford.
Despite coming into the game as huge underdogs, Man Utd walked away as the team more likely to take all three points, with David Raya’s stunning stops saving Arsenal.
Bruno Fernandes set United on their way with a magical free-kick but Declan Rice pegged them back late in the second half, with a flurry of missed chances left as regrets for Ruben Amorim.
One thing he won’t be regretting, however, is introducing Ayden Heaven, who had a fantastic game against Arsenal. Micah Richards says it was a given the moment he came on and did something that set him up for success.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Micah Richards lauds Ayden Heaven
For a player who had come to Man Utd while barely being on the cusp of a breakthrough at Arsenal, it was questionable to see him promoted as a first-team signing at Old Trafford.
Those worries were only exacerbated when Heaven made his debut for the U21s before the first-team combined with Ruben Amorom thinking twice before playing youngsters in a chaotic team.
But, when Leny Yoro suffered a knock in the first half against Arsenal, he was left with no choice but to introduce Heaven for a 45-minute spell against a prolific attack who was also his former team.
After Heaven shone against Arsenal, Richards spoke on the Rest is Football podcast and said he knew Heaven would succeed in the game after seeing what he did as soon as he came on.
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Richards said: “When you watch the game, his first touch was a header. I always watch defenders when they come on. Just make sure your first touch is good.
“The ball came in and he headed it away and it was brilliant. That’s when you get the confidence. You just want to do the basics, and he did that really well.”
Ayden Heaven has given Man Utd a template
It is a positive sign for United under Amorim that the two signings made under him have followed a theme and both have worked out in the early stages.
Both have added much needed physicality to the squad and most importantly, the right mentality which has seen them flourish despite coming into a chaotic team as youngsters.
Unlike Chido Obi, Heaven was a less heralded signing, so his being promoted as a first-team signing raised some eyebrows.
However, after his initial minutes, Heaven has looked like he belongs at this level, which increases the trust in the new executive team and Amorim’s vision.
Heaven has given United the template to work with ahead of a pivotal summer.