Ayden Heaven is set to make his full debut for Manchester United in a crucial Europa League clash against Real Sociedad.
Manchester United take on Real Sociedad in the second leg of their Europa League round-of-16 tie after the first leg ended in a draw.
With their Premier League struggles persisting, the Europa League stands as United’s best chance to secure silverware and European football for next season.
Ruben Amorim’s side remain unbeaten in the competition and controlled much of the first leg in San Sebastián. However, despite their dominance, United had to settle for a 1-1 draw following a controversial penalty awarded to Sociedad.
The crucial clash unfolds at Old Trafford this evening, where United will need to produce a strong performance in front of their home fans.
Amorim explains why Heaven starts for United
When the team was announced, many were surprised to see Ayden Heaven’s name in the lineup even though multiple defenders are injured.
It was assumed that Amorim would stick with the experienced option of Victor Lindelöf, but he has instead decided to trust the exciting Heaven.
The United boss has explained that it has not only been the defender’s impressive cameos against Fulham and Arsenal, but also his work in training at Carrington which has led to him starting his first game for the club.
“When you prove in training and in games, you are an option to play in any kind of game,” the Portuguese head coach told MUTV.
“We want to show confidence in ay player in our squad and with all of the problems we’ve had in these last weeks, everybody has to be ready to cope with the games.
“He is doing really well and I’m excited to see him.”
Heaven starting over Lindelöf is the right decision
Making your first professional start in a crucial European game is quite the introduction for an 18-year-old defender.
But Heaven also did extremely well against his former side Arsenal, which was another high-pressure game and starting him is much better than the alternative.
With the likes of Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro out of action, it was simply a decision between Heaven and Lindelöf.
The Swedish centre-back is the much safer option, but it is also well-known that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season and will no longer be part of Amorim’s project.
Lindelöf’s current qualities do not provide enough of a boost to have him picked over a talented young player who clearly has a future at the club.
Heaven will be hoping to have another solid game and help United progress to the quarter-finals.
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