Man Utd's Ayden Heaven set for swift return from injury

By SABC Sport
22nd March 2025

Manchester United fans can breathe a sigh of relief as young defender Ayden Heaven's injury, suffered during a clash with Leicester City, is not as bad as initially feared.

The 18-year-old, who swapped Arsenal for United in a winter transfer move worth around one million pounds, had been stretchered off in the Red Devils' 3-0 victory before the international break, sparking concern at Old Trafford.

Heaven has wasted no time making his mark since arriving, racking up three senior appearances and catching the eye of head coach Ruben Amorim.

Earlier this month, Amorim praised the teenager's potential, highlighting what he brings to the table. "If he continues like that, he is going to play," the United boss has said. "I really like his confidence. I like his pace, he's good in defending the box, and I think he's quite complete. But he has a lot of work to do in the Premier League."

The injury scare came at a tough moment for Heaven, who had been enjoying a breakthrough spell. Post-match, Amorim admitted the difficulty in assessing the situation straight away.

"It's hard to know because we have to evaluate during the week," he said. "Even when he was on the ground, he cannot speak and doesn't know how to explain what he's feeling because he's so young. Today was the most difficult game for him, but he was so focused."

Heaven, however, quickly reassured supporters via a message on X, posted shortly after the game: "Thank you guys for all the support! I have read all your messages, and I'm doing really well and recovering fast."

That optimism now appears justified. According to the Manchester Evening News, the centre-back is already out of his protective boot and could return to training after the international break.

United have no fixture until they lock horns with Nottingham Forest on April 1, offering Heaven a realistic shot at being back in contention.

The Red Devils have high hopes for their bargain signing, who previously shone in outings against Arsenal and Real Sociedad. Amorim's faith in the youngster remains unshaken, with the coach keen to manage his development carefully.

"We will face a different kind of player, and he will be tested in a different way," Amorim has said. "We are trying to manage all of this because he is still really young."

For now, United are focused on getting Heaven back on the pitch, and the latest update suggests they won't have to wait long to see their rising star in action again.