Ayden Heaven has burst back onto the scene for Manchester United in recent weeks after not being used for the opening few months of the season.
Despite showcasing clear quality for Manchester United in his opening campaign at the club, Ayden Heaven was underused this season.
The talented former Arsenal youngster had even dropped back to the U21s for game time. This resulted in Heaven being linked with a loan move.
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But Ruben Amorim turned to Heaven after Matthijs de Ligt’s injury, and he hasn’t looked back. Heaven has admitted feeling Amorim’s trust and has grabbed this opportunity with both hands.
Wes Brown was impressed with Heaven against Wolves; however, the qualities he has in defence might actually suit him transitioning to another position.
Ayden Heaven playing for Manchester United
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Ayden Heaven’s long-term future should be as a defensive midfielder
While Heaven has really impressed as the central centre-back, there have been moments in the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth to question his role.
Heaven’s positioning and awareness as a centre-back is concerning, something that most players cannot be taught, meaning there is a chance in the future he will be pushed forward into a number six role.
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The 19-year-old is mobile and excellent on the ball, which are two important traits that Amorim would want in his number six.
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One of his former coaches, Terry Bobie, even backed Heaven to move into midfield in the future, with the qualities to do so already within him.
“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 per cent, if given the opportunity.
“From when I used to work with him, the range of his passing is nuts, it’s crazy.”
This could come to fruition if Amorim uses a three-man midfield, with Heaven perfect as the deeper of the trio, perhaps with Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes as two number eights.
Heaven would add real mobility, physical steel and more to the midfield and as mentioned, his range of passing is top class for a player so young.
Manchester United have been wasting Ayden Heaven
While we aren’t suggesting that he is already a top number six, United have been wasting the quality of Heaven both by leaving him on the bench for months and also playing him as a centre-back.
Heaven is so much better defending on the front foot in midfield, and then when he has the ball, he elevates the team.
Driving through the middle of the pitch carrying the ball or playing top-tier passes are both excellent qualities of his.
There is no guarantee this works out, but Amorim should at least trial Heaven in this new role at some stage in rotations to see how he copes.
After all, one reported reason Heaven left Arsenal was to be a midfielder and so United owe him a chance to prove why he can do it.
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