Ayden Heaven has been handed an unexpected Manchester United boost as he pushes for a spot in Michael Carrick's starting XI
Michael Carrick appears set for a big Ayden Heaven decision after his Manchester United boost
Michael Carrick appears set for a big Ayden Heaven decision after his Manchester United boost(Image: (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images))
View 2 Images
Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven trained with the England senior team on Wednesday. The centre-back was called up to the Three Lions' Under-20s squad but was one of at least three asked to join a first-team session, according to Sky Sports, ahead of Friday's friendly against Uruguay.
They have claimed, however, that he will remain two age groups below for upcoming matches as Ben Futcher's side take on Italy this Friday. Nonetheless, the 19-year-old will undoubtedly only benefit from working alongside the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham as he pushes to try and get into United's starting XI.
He is yet to start a game under Michael Carrick, but United's interim head coach could soon be forced into a decision due to injuries and a suspension. Heaven has made several bright cameos in recent weeks, and one of those came under significant pressure last Friday.
The teenager replaced Matheus Cunha for the final 15 minutes of the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth after Harry Maguire was sent off. He joined Leny Yoro at centre-back with United able to see out the remaining minutes under serious pressure.
Maguire is now set to be unavailable for United's first Premier League back after the international break which is against Leeds United. Injury problems for Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt could see the teenager start alongside Yoro.
With United not playing their rivals until Monday, April 13, the injured duo do have time to recover from their respective calf and back issues.
However, they could be phased back in carefully by Carrick with De Ligt having not played since late November and Martinez absent for United's last five games. Carrick does expect the Argentine back for the Leeds game, though.
Further team selection decisions await Carrick, with Benjamin Sesko and Amad fighting for a spot in the starting XI that directly impacts Bryan Mbeumo.
Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko
View 2 Images
The latter and Sesko will have some extra sessions at Carrington over the coming weeks after withdrawing from national team duty with Cameroon and Slovenia, respectively.
Neither are expected to miss any games and are merely just managing fitness concerns. They will be joined on the training pitches by Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee while the injured Patrick Dorgu still having some way to go in his recovery
Noussair Mazraoui missed the stalemate at Bournemouth through illness but is set to join the Morocco squad for friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay.