AYDEN HEAVEN’S first encounter with Manchester United was not a positive experience.
The Red Devils faced Arsenal for a July 2024 friendly in California.
Just ten minutes in, the Gunners’ young centre-back was easily held off as Rasmus Hojlund scored United’s opener.
Arsenal hit back to win 2-1 but Heaven had been hooked at half-time.
Emirates favourite Jack Wilshere coached Heaven in the academy, dubbing him a “cheat code” – he was that good.
But six months later he was unveiled on the Old Trafford pitch with Patrick Dorgu — a £25million signing from Lecce.
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The 19-year-old might have taken the well-trodden path for English teens and headed to Germany, with Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund keen.
But he felt there was a clear path to the first team at United, who paid Arsenal around £1.5m.
Harry Maguire’s deal is up, Matthijs de Ligt has not played since November and Lisandro Martinez is injury-prone.
Heaven was right — he took his chances and an eight-match starting run from December gave him his first thorough test.
But if he gets to grace the Emirates pitch when United visit Arsenal on Sunday, it may beat anything he has experienced yet.
Heaven has amassed one assist in 13 appearances across all competitions this season.
That adds to the defender’s grand total of 18 appearances since arriving at United almost a year ago.
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