Ayden Heaven has been a revelation since his arrival at Manchester United but suffered an injury during the win over Leicester City - now, amid an injury crisis in defence, another teen star could be given his chance
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Updated 09:57, 19 Mar 2025
Ruben Amorim is a big fan
Ruben Amorim is a big fan(Image: Getty Images)
Ayden Heaven has had to press pause on his rapid rise at Manchester United. During the victory against Leicester City on Sunday night, the 18 year old defender had to leave the pitch, and now both he and the United crew are anxiously awaiting the full diagnosis of his injury.
Heaven was taken off on a stretcher at the King Power stadium and appeared in some distress. Thankfully, he left the stadium of his own accord later in the evening, wearing a protective boot. He said on his Instagram on Tuesday: "Thank you guys for all the support! I have read all your messages, and I'm doing really well and recovering fast."
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Heaven joined United from Arsenal in January and has been impressing since stepping into the first team, with United short in defence. Lisandro Martinez is sidelined for the season while Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro and Jonny Evans have all been suffering with issues of late.
Now, just as those injuries presented Heaven with an opportunity, he may well open the door and a golden opportunity for another United youngster to step into the limelight.
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Ruben Amorim has already taken notice of Godwill Kukonki this season, and the impressive teenager could stand to gain from Heaven's long-term absence, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Like Heaven, Kukonki is left-footed, an attribute valued by Amorim in his three-at-the-back set-up. At just 17, Kukonki has already impressed the United boss with his maturity.
Ayden Heaven
Ayden Heaven has impressed since joining United(Image: Getty Images)
Back in December, Amorim was candid about Kukonki's potential: "He's 16, but he impressed me a lot, so it's also a sign to the youth players that they can be here."
"If something happened with the first team, they [young players] have to step up and I think he's ready, he's very adult to handle the Premier League's demands."
Manchester United's Godwill Kukonki warms up ahead of during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and United at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 4, 2024
Godwill Kukonki has impressed Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim this season
Amorim has been keeping a close eye on several academy players, and Kukonki has caught his attention. The youngster was part of the first team squad that travelled to Ipswich Town for Amorim's debut and warmed the bench against Arsenal the following month.
Kukonki has continued to be involved with the first team, and insiders at United believe he possesses the technical and physical attributes needed for senior football, sooner rather than later.
Now, with injury issues among senior stars and Heaven set for a spell on the sidelines, Kukonki could be next in line.
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