Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven has shared an update on his injury
Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven has shared an update on his injury after he was carried off on a stretcher against Leicester City on Sunday evening.
The young defender - who joined the club in January from Premier League rivals Arsenal - had been given the nod to start against the Foxes after also being handed a place in the XI for the 4-1 win over Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
However, after helping the Red Devils keep Leicester at bay, he was injured early in the second half and left unable to continue. Heaven had come on as a second-half substitute for Leny Yoro in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal earlier this month while Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire are also injured. It leaves Amorim short of central defenders, which is less than ideal given the former Sporting CP boss deploys a system that requires three central defenders.
Amorim on Heaven
United boss Amorim revealed after Sunday’s game that he was unsure what the exact nature of Heaven’s injury was and that it may take a little bit of time to solve. He said: “We have to evaluate during the week. He's a young kid, he doesn't know how to explain what he's feeling, so it's hard for us to know something.
“He's a bit a little bit more calm now, but we have to assess during the week. But he's doing a great job and it's a shame if he has something for quite a long [time]. We wish him all the best.”
Amorim added: “He already did that [showed promise] against Arsenal and today, and against Real Sociedad. “Today was for me the most difficult game for him, because he plays so well against Real Sociedad, and we expect always for these young kids to relax a little bit. But he was so focused and he played quite well, so let’s hope for the best.”
United legend Wayne Rooney delivered plenty of praise for the youngster for his recent performances and labelled the Red Devils’ deal to bring him to Old Trafford as a ‘real coup’.
Heaven gives injury update
Posting on his Instagram story, Heaven provided an update on his injury saying he was doing really well and recovering fast. The 18-year-old said: “Thank you guys for all the support! I have read all your messages, and I’m doing really well and recovering fast.”
It is unclear when Heaven might return but his message provides a more positive tone, rather than one of concern. United are back in action away at Nottingham Forest on April 1 before the Manchester derby with Manchester City on April 6. They have their two legs of the Europa League quarter final against Lyon on April 10 and April 17, with a Premier League trip to St James’ Park in-between those games.
The Europa League remains the most realistic way for Amorim’s side to get into the Champions League next season and the Red Devils boss will hope to have Heaven back fit for as many games as possible. After his showing against Arsenal, Amorim was impressed by the defender’s aggression and believes the youngster has got plenty of potential.
Related topics:Leicester CityAyden HeavenPremier LeagueEuropa League
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