Former Man Utd player backs Ayden Heaven to become mainstay at club

Former Man Utd player backs Ayden Heaven to become mainstay at club

Manchester United youngster Ayden Heaven has the potential to become a key player for the club in years to come, according to former player Dion Dublin.

United head into the first international break of 2025 with a confidence boost after a strong run of results in both domestic and European competitions.

Managed by Ruben Amorim, United secured their place in the Europa League quarter-finals after a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, sealing a 5-2 aggregate win.

Their reward is a last-eight clash with French side Lyon, as they continue their pursuit of Europa League glory. To secure a spot in next season's Champions League, United must reach and win the final on 21 May.

Domestically, United maintained their momentum with a convincing 3-0 Premier League victory over relegation-threatened Leicester City.

However, the result was overshadowed by a serious injury to Ayden Heaven, who was stretchered off. The extent of the injury remains unclear, but it is a setback for both the player and the team.

Meanwhile, Dublin has praised Matthijs de Ligt for his influence on Heaven's development at the club.

The Dutch defender has played a key role in helping the young talent settle at Old Trafford before his unfortunate injury.

"He looks very comfortable," former United player Dublin told Premier League Productions.

"When I was at the [Real] Sociedad game, De Ligt was talking to him all the way through the game, and he'll need that little bit of reassurance from the seniors around him.

"But he's playing like he's played a couple of seasons for United, he's asking for the ball, he's making the angles in order to be free to get the ball.

"As a young player, sometimes you don't make the angles and then you don't get the ball. He wants it all the time. His defensive mindset is very good, so yeah, he's gonna be around for a long time. We just hope [his injury] is not too bad." 

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