(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Ayden Heaven has been criticised for his lacklustre showing as Manchester United slumped to a 3-2 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 19-year-old was granted just his second appearance of the season, both of which came from the off.
Ayden Heaven struggles in Carabao Cup opener
(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Heaven partnered fellow youngster Leny Yoro at the back, with Michael Carrick opting to rest senior duo Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.
In regard to how the centre-half fared statistically, he made five recoveries, two headed clearances, two blocks and one tackle.
He won four of his eight ground duels attempted, one aerial duel and committed two fouls.
For Pascal Gross’ goal that made it 2-2 in the 65th minute, Heaven and Yoro were caught lacking when Brighton cleverly capitalised on United’s poor attempts at keeping possession.
Jamie Redknapp compared the two defenders’ play to that of a five-a-side team, adding that ‘if that doesn’t change, they won’t play for United again’.
"So poor, this isn't a five-a-side competition""If that doesn't change, they won't play for Man United again" Jamie Redknapp criticises the defending of Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro 🔴 pic.twitter.com/DG4i3G8MyU — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 16, 2026
Heaven said to have ‘sleepwalked’ through Seagulls loss
DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 12: Ayden Heaven of Manchester United is pictured before the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Croke Park on August 12, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Samuel Luckhurst also reflected on a statement made by Ruben Amorim during his tenure, during which he said: “Ayden is so relaxed. He seems so relaxed that sometimes he is too relaxed! But I think we have a player there. So now we have to control, to tell him that it was just a game etc.”
Luckhurst said tonight: “Amorim was a failure at MUFC, but he was right about an awful lot. Heaven has sleepwalked through tonight.”
Alas, it seems pretty nailed on that the former Arsenal academy prospect will lose his starting spot for Sunday’s trip to Fulham, which is now as good as a must-win game for United.
Read more: Carrick told he brought on a player v Brighton who ‘can’t even pass to his own team’
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, looks on during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on September 16, 2026 in Manchester, England.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion players walk out before the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on September 16, 2026 in Manchester, England
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, applauds the fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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