Manchester United's defensive frailties were on show for all to see on Wednesday night as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup against Brighton and Hove Albion
Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro both struggled during Manchester United's humiliating Carabao Cup exit vs Brighton
Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro both struggled during Manchester United's humiliating Carabao Cup exit vs Brighton(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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In the past decade, there has perhaps been no player who has felt the burden of scrutiny that comes with representing Manchester United as much as Harry Maguire. The centre-back became a metaphorical punching bag at one point for the Reds, eventually leading to him having the captain's armband stripped from him. Maguire risked becoming an expensive flop.
However, from his lowest ebb, the England international has rebuilt faith with the fanbase and has been one of United's more consistent performers, particularly in the Michael Carrick era. His form since Carrick returned to Old Trafford earned him a new contract and he was unfortunate not to be picked for the World Cup this summer.
Maguire is arguably more of a leader now than he ever was when he had the captaincy. That's why when he christened Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven as the partnership of the future, the expectations for the young duo grew.
"Hopefully in five or six years' time, Leny, Ayden and Dan [Armer] are fighting it out and playing together in this team - that's all I want," Maguire told Sky Sports in August. "They have the attributes and qualities to do that.
"They're young, but they're learning the game under the biggest scrutiny and analysis anyone can imagine and they're only going to get stronger. Hopefully one day they're the main two centre-half partnership at this club and they're winning the biggest trophies. Hopefully they're the strongest partnership in world football - that's what they've got to aim to do."
Both Yoro and Heaven have shown glimpses of promise. Yoro was handed the 'next Raphael Varane' tag before moving to Old Trafford. While an unhelpful moniker, you can see some similarities between the pair. Meanwhile, Heaven has provided some quality performances that had many wondering why Arsenal did not give him more opportunities.
But neither player is performing consistently at this stage of their careers. 20-year-old Yoro and 19-year-old Heaven have time on their side. Nobody will write them off anytime soon. However, United are in the uncomfortable position where they need their youngsters to develop quickly.
Maguire has just started what will almost definitely be his final contract with the Reds. Lisandro Martinez is arguably United's best defender when fit, but keeping him fit is the issue. Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt has been out since November 2025, and there are no guarantees that he will reach the same heights when he returns from injury.
That means both Yoro and Heaven could be fast-tracked into more senior roles soon. Their showing against Brighton suggests they are miles off becoming the next defensive partnership for United, never mind the 'strongest partnership in world football'.
United will hope that eventually a good partnership will form between them. In the meantime, Yoro and Heaven will continue to learn playing alongside the likes of Maguire and Martinez.
When Yoro and Heaven are paired together again, they need to perform better because, at the moment, they are a long way off reaching the lofty expectations Maguire has set for them.