Rio Ferdinand believes Ayden Heaven is ready to start for Manchester United and has urged Michael Carrick to consider bringing the teenager into his defence.
Ayden Heaven joined Manchester United from Arsenal in a deal worth up to £1.5 million, but has had limited opportunities in the first team. The 19-year-old has made just one appearance this season, coming in the opening-day defeat to Hull City.
He was again left out of the action against Everton on Sunday, with Leny Yoro brought on during the closing stages of the 2-2 draw.
Ferdinand backs Ayden Heaven over Yoro
Rio Ferdinand was honest about Yoro’s development too, admitting the young French defender has taken longer than expected to reach the level many anticipated.
“Yoro I thought he would be a bit further ahead than he is now, he’s taken a little bit longer to push up that ceiling and fulfil that potential. I think it’s still going to come, but I think it’s been slower than anticipated, 100%,” Rio Ferdinand said on his Rio Presents YouTube channel
The former United defender has fewer doubts about Heaven and feels he could already handle the demands of first-team football.
“Heaven, I think he could play now, but the manager’s making a choice and decision and he wants to go with what he’s got.”
Ferdinand’s preference is partly based on pace. He believes Manchester United would benefit from having one of the two young defenders in the backline.
“But I would always have one of those two in the backline just for pace at this level, 100%.”
United have several centre-backs available, although Matthijs de Ligt is currently injured.
“There’s players in the building at centre-half, there’s five players there. Obviously [Mathijs] De Ligt’s not fit.”
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