Youngster hoping for more opportunities next year under “brilliant” Amorim
Ayden Heaven says he has “enjoyed” becoming one of the key defenders at Manchester United in less than a year at the club.
The 19-year-old centre-back joined United from Arsenal in February 2025 and made his debut in March 2025, but by December he has made 14 senior appearances and already used them to establish himself as a genuine option in Ruben Amorim’s defence.
Against Newcastle on Boxing Day, he won the man-of-the-match award for a resolute display in defence as United held on for a 1-0 win over the Magpies.
Heaven told the United Review that the past year has changed him as a player.
“I’ve enjoyed it,” Heaven said. “I’ve done well, I think, with the chances I’ve had, and, yeah, I just want to take it into the next year and continue developing.”
The teenager admitted the speed of his breakthrough caught him off guard but said it has boosted his belief.
“I was surprised at how quick I got my chances when I first joined, but I was ready, so hopefully I can get more in the new year,” said Heaven. “It motivates me in a way to know I’m capable of playing games like that.”
Recent injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire have helped him get more game time, not to mention Lisandro Martinez’s time spent in recovery. Amorim praised Heaven after the Newcastle match, saying he was “really pleased” and noting that the defender is “improving every game.” Heaven, in turn, spoke warmly about the head coach’s approach.
“He’s a brilliant manager,” Heaven said. “He’s always reassuring me and helping me improve. He’s a great guy as well off the pitch, and I’m going to love to continue working with him.
“It helps a lot to know that the manager cares about you and that he takes his time to come and speak to you.”
