Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has addressed concerns over the fitness of young defender Ayden Heaven after the player was forced off the pitch during his first Premier League start against Leicester City. The 18-year-old was substituted due to what appeared to be an ankle injury following a collision with Leicester's Patson Daka during the game held on March 16, 2025.
Heaven, who had joined Manchester United from Arsenal for £1 million back in January, had made significant strides since his arrival, having impressed previously with some strong performances. He demonstrated his resilience during Arsenal's pre-season campaign, where he faced Manchester United and managed to bring commendations from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after recovering from early mistakes.
During the match against Leicester City, Heaven displayed strong defensive skills, but his promising performance was cut short when he landed awkwardly after the tangle with Daka. He immediately signaled to the bench for assistance, writhing on the ground before being carried off the field on a stretcher. This unfortunate incident occurred early in the second half, shortly after Rasmus Hojlund had scored for United, followed by additional goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes, sealing a 3-0 victory for the Red Devils.
Despite the disturbing circumstances surrounding Heaven's exit from the match, there are glimmers of hope concerning his injury. Post-match, Amorim provided some insight, expressing the uncertainty about the extent of the injury. "It's hard to know because we have to evaluate during the week," he stated. The United manager highlighted the importance of the upcoming international break as an opportunity for players to rest and recover. He added, "The feeling is completely different. When we return, it will be like starting from scratch."
After the match, reporters noted Heaven was seen walking out of the King Power Stadium without the use of crutches, wearing a protective boot. Fans are optimistic this could indicate the injury may not be as severe as initially feared. Although no timeline has been set for his return, it is hoped he may be back for the upcoming Premier League and Europa League fixtures following the break.
Heaven’s situation is part of larger concerns for United, as injuries have plagued their squad this season. Key players, including Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, have been sidelined, adding pressure to Amorim, who is already struggling with defensive depth. With players like Noussair Mazraoui potentially stepping up, the overall fitness of the squad will be closely monitored during this scheduled downtime.
Despite the injuries and challenges on the field, the team’s performance against Leicester offers some solace. Hojlund ended his long goal drought, and Garnacho found the net after months of waiting. This victory provides momentum as the team now aims to climb higher up the Premier League table, tackling tough competition and pushing for success.
With concerns for Heaven now looming, the Manchester United camp remains hopeful for good news. The defender, praised for his pace and defensive capabilities by Amorim, has exhibited maturity well beyond his 18 years, and his return is awaited with anticipation.
Heaven's readiness to rebound from setbacks echoes the spirit he displayed during his earlier performances at Arsenal, where he showed remarkable composure under pressure. With the promise of future contributions to United’s defensive strategies, fans and teammates alike are eager for his swift recovery.
Overall, the match against Leicester not only highlighted the future potential of young talents like Heaven but also underscored the persistent challenges of maintaining squad health amid intense competition. The coming days will be pivotal for the young defender as evaluations are concluded, and hopefully, he can join his teammates back on the pitch soon.
