Manchester United youngster Ayden Heaven made his first career start in the Europa League knockout game against Real Sociedad.
Ayden Heaven had been building to this moment, fully earning his first career start. After two impressive substitute appearances in the FA Cup and Premier League, the teenage centre-back was thrown in to a difficult challenge.
Facing Real Sociedad in the Europa League second leg with the tie poised at 1-1, Ayden Heaven passed the test with flying colours.
Heaven looked like he belonged at this level with an outstanding display in Manchester United’s 4-1 victory in the second leg.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Ayden Heaven verdict
MUTV co-commentator Ben Thornley had big praise for Ayden Heaven’s display, praising how well he dealt with the occasion.
Thornley told the channel: “He’s been superb. He started with very, very early on with an interception, and he’s just grown into the game.
“And he’s up against a really difficult opponent who did play well in space, but he is playing well here, and any real danger has been equal.
“He’s good. He’s really calm, really collected and when he’s needed to defend or shepherd, he’s been brilliant.”
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Ayden Heaven numbers vs Real Sociedad
Facing Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo, Ayden Heaven stood up to every test and was solid as part of a three-man backline with Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazrouai.
Heaven made four clearances, two interceptions, and won one tackle, while completing 88 per cent of his passes.
After leaving Arsenal in the winter transfer window, Heaven looks like he could be a steal, shining on the big stage at Old Trafford at just 18-years-old.
United fans can expect to see a lot more of the young defender between now and the rest of the season, and beyond.