Manchester United 0-1 Everton match review and highlights
The Man Utd youngster was handed a start for the U21s on Tuesday night after a lack of football under Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United’s reduced fixture schedule has been an issue for several players this season, who have not played quite as much as they would have liked.
Ruben Amorim’s side played 60 matches across all competitions during the last campaign, as they reached the final of the Europa League, but could play as few as 40 matches this season. It means there have been far fewer opportunities for fringe players, with less need to rotate the squad amid the lighter demands.
Ayden Heaven is one of those whose progress has stuttered. The 19-year-old played 292 minutes across six appearances for United last season but has managed just 92 minutes in three cameo displays this term. He is firmly down the defensive pecking order and expected to drop in further amid the return of Lisandro Martinez. The teenage centre-back was an unused substitute for the home defeat to Everton on Monday night and found himself in the U21s line-up against Solihull Moors on Tuesday night.
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How Heaven played for United U21s
Manchester United named Ayden Heaven and Diego Leon in their starting line up as they lost 4-1 to Solihull Moors in the National League Cup on Tuesday night.
Travis Binnion’s side took the lead in the 35th minute through Bendito Mantato but found themselves behind at half-time after quickfire goals from Emmanuel Sonupe and Darius Lipsiuc. United would have wanted a fast response, but it was Solihull who extended their lead after the break when Bradley Stevenson scored their third of the night.
Binnion made changes after the goal as Jim Thwaites replaced Jayce Fitzgerald, while James Overy came on for Heaven shortly after. Solihull wrapped up the win when Sam Bowen made it 4-1 in the final seconds to book their place in the knockout rounds and dump United U21s out of the competition.
Despite the defeat, it was a valuable run out for Heaven as he aims to keep match sharpness ahead of possible first-team involvement over the festive period. He could be back on the bench again when United face Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend.
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