Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is celebrating one of the best results of his spell in charge of the club.
While the win away at Manchester City in December was impressive, Manchester United’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad was easily the best home result under Ruben Amorim.
After being stung by a controversial penalty, United responded immediately, levelling the game via a Bruno Fernandes spot-kick, before taking over in the second half, with Fernandes adding two more, and Diogo Dalot topping it off.
Ruben Amorim is right to celebrate the victory, after a challenging stint with United to date, with a team battling injuries.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ayden Heaven selection paid off
Manchester United were without Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans and Leny Yoro for the game, but Ruben Amorim still had a choice of defenders.
Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui started, and then it was a choice between Victor Lindelof and Ayden Heaven.
Lindelof made his first start of the season against Arsenal, performing well, while Heaven had never started a professional game.
The safe approach would have been to start the Sweden international captain. Ruben Amorim trusted his instincts and selected 18-year-old prospect Heaven.
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Heaven was capable of living up to the task of defending against Takefusa Kubo, he did not put a foot wrong. It was an immaculate performance from a teenager who United signed for a nominal fee during the winter transfer window.
Over the last two games, Heaven had come off the bench and impressed, earning his opportunity, and Ruben Amorim provided the chance.
Ruben Amorim proves he trusts youth
Ruben Amorim handed 27 debuts to Sporting players during his time at the club. At Manchester United he has been more reserved in trusting young stars.
United fans have been a little frustrated with the lack of youngsters on the bench at times in recent weeks, and the fact they have not made it onto the pitch in many cases.
This was a decisive moment. Amorim could have gone for the veteran Victor Lindelof, who is due to be released at the end of his contract in June.
Or he could be bold and select young wonderkid Ayden Heaven who is part of Manchester United’s future, trust and commit to him. And he did.
When it mattered, Amorim showed his faith in youth, and it absolutely paid off, with Heaven making himself a hero.