Ayden Heaven may not always be considered a centre-back at Manchester United according to his former coach.
Since the Ineos takeover, Manchester United’s transfer business has been focused on bringing young and exciting players to Old Trafford.
In January, Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven arrived at Old Trafford as Ruben Amorim’s first signings, and both youngsters have made a positive impact over the last six months.
In particular, the £1.5m deal for Heaven is already viewed as a bargain following his step up to becoming a first-team regular.
Unfortunately, the 18-year-old’s season was derailed by an injury, but Heaven starred against Hong Kong in the post-season tour to set up an exciting start to the 2025/26 season.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Ayden Heaven tipped to play in midfield for Man United
Amorim has piled praise on Heaven for his performances at centre-back this season, with the youngster often playing on the left of the back three.
However, Ayden Heaven’s former coach Terry Bobie, who worked with him at Levels FC, has suggested that he could soon step into midfield for United.
Via the Daily Mail, Bobie said: “He can do so much. I think there is more to come from his locker and I know he can play midfield for Manchester United, 100 percent, if given the opportunity.
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“It’s early days but once he grows into it and gets confident I know he can play in midfield.
“From when I used to work with him the range of his passing is nuts, it’s crazy.
“He’s got a good eye for goal, too. There is more to come if he is made to feel comfortable enough to express himself in that way.”
Ayden Heaven has ‘Paul Pogba-esque’ qualities
Not only does Bobie claim that Heaven has “crazy” passing ability, but he also compared him to former United midfielder Paul Pogba.
From their time together at Levels FC, Bobie speaks about Heaven performing as a central midfielder.
“He was a central midfielder, left-footed, very gangly, but good on the ball. He has that Paul Pogba-esque swagger,” Bobie said.
“He doesn’t really rush things which you can see to this day. He is so relaxed and he just does things at his pace.
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“When I was coaching him I’d say ‘Ayden, come on man, game pace’ but you have to take a step back and look at it from the perspective of he could see things the average kid doesn’t see.”
United academy star Sekou Kone has been compared to Pogba for his performances this season, but it seems Heaven could potentially join him as a first-team midfielder down the line.