Manchester United’s draw with Everton had a little feisty side to it during the second half.
A chaotic sequence during the second half saw Everton land an equaliser through an own goal, while Bruno Fernandes was engaged in a shoving match on the halfway line.
It was not the only moment of controversy, with Fernandes’ Manchester United teammate Ayden Heaven laid out by a hefty challenge minutes earlier.
Ayden Heaven lies stricken on the floor, covering and clutching his face
Photo by Todd Kirkland – Premier League/Getty Images
Ayden Heaven needed treatment after arm to the face
Young centre-back Ayden Heaven was a 57th minute substitute in Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Everton.
Heaven was left stricken on the floor midway through his appearance after a forceful arm to the face from Everton striker Thierno Barry.
The 18-year-old needed medical treatment after taking a whack. It briefly looked like he may not be able to continue.
Speaking on MUTV commentary about the challenge, Ben Thornley called out the Everton striker, warning that it could have had serious consequences.
He said: “That was nasty and uncalled for. The way he caught him and with that force, it could have been a fractured cheekbone.”
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Ayden Heaven returned and gave as good as he got
Ayden Heaven was not deterred by the hit to the face, even with Thierno Barry escaping without even a booking.
He rejoined the action and completed the game, although did have an unhappy moment, with Amad’s attempted clearance ricocheting off him, into the corner for an own goal.
Heaven gave as good as he got in his ongoing battle with Barry, pulling him back while contesting for the ball, with the Everton player requiring treatment. He also avoided a yellow card.
A physical test in pre-season is not a bad thing, especially for a highly rated teenage prospect like Heaven. He will have to get used to opponents trying to test him physically.
Thankfully he avoided an injury, by luck more than Barry’s good judgment. Considering how Heaven missed time with a painful looking ankle injury at the end of last season, he will be glad to return to Manchester in one piece.