After being carted off with an injury against Leicester City on Sunday, Manchester United starlet Ayden Heaven sent a message to Red Devils supporters, saying that he is “recovering fast” as Ruben Amorim’s season continues to be marred by more sideline issues.
Just over a week ago, Heaven made his first-team debut for United in the home Premier League match against his old team, Arsenal, playing in the second half. With starts against Real Sociedad and Leicester, he appeared to be a top young player to watch for the rest of the season. As United continues to fight for a top-half spot in the Premier League, he was substituted out of the game just 51 minutes into the match in the East Midlands, adding to Amorim’s list of injured players.
Heaven also stated that he is “doing well” despite the injury on Sunday, assuaging any concerns in a post on his Instagram story that thanked supporters for their support. He shared:
“I appreciate all of your [sic] support, guys! “I’ve read all of your messages, and I’m doing great and getting better quickly,” followed by an emoji of a heart.
After playing just 10 minutes for Arsenal’s first team in their 3-0 League Cup victory over Preston North End earlier this season, Heaven was a late January window addition. However, he chose to sign a four-and-a-half-year contract with United in February.
Young players have been forced to play more because of injuries and a change in United’s backline, which went from having two centre backs under Erik ten Hag to having three under Amorim. Heaven’s credentials for the youth teams of England, Arsenal this season in the UEFA Youth League, and the Gunners’ Premier League 2 team have served him well in the future.
Despite not being able to keep Arsenal out on his debut, Heaven started and made an impact against Leicester. He also made a huge impression against Sociedad in midweek as United defeated them 4-1.
One ‘positive’ aspect was that he avoided hospitalisation and was left wearing a protective boot, indicating that the injury doesn’t appear to be permanent. If he can make a full recovery before the season ends, a good preseason under Amorim could be very beneficial for him the following year.
