Micah Richards and Alan Shearer both saw eye to eye on one standout Manchester United player against Newcastle in last Friday’s 1-0 result at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils collected all three points in their penultimate Premier League match of 2025, with a resilient Newcastle testing Manchester United on the night.
Patrick Dorgu made the difference between the two sides on Boxing Day, with the 21-year-old Danish wing-back netting a sensational opener in the first half.
Newcastle fought back against United in the second half and the Magpies chased the match, with Eddie Howe’s men unable to secure the all-important equaliser.
United faced immense pressure from Newcastle after the break and the Red Devils fortunately held onto their fragile 1-0 lead until the full-time whistle.
Micah Richards and Alan Shearer’s immediate reaction to what Ayden Heaven showed for Man Utd against Newcastle
Ayden Heaven has earned huge praise in the aftermath of Manchester United’s Premier League win over Newcastle at Old Trafford last Friday evening.
The 19-year-old United talent stepped up in the backline of Ruben Amorim’s defensive set-up and Ayden Heaven completed the full 90 minutes on Boxing Day.
Heaven looked confident and assured in his overall performance, with the former Arsenal youth academy prospect standing out in the eyes of Micah Richards.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards said: “[…] And I thought, was it Ayden Heaven?”
Gary Lineker then interjected: “Ayden Heaven.”
Richards added: “Ayden Heaven, wow.”
Responding to Richards, Alan Shearer said: “Yeah, he played well, didn’t he?”
Richards continued: “What a performance from him. We knew he’s good; we’ve talked about him before.”
Micah Richards’ full analysis of Man Utd defender Ayden Heaven after the Premier League win over Newcastle
United manager Ruben Amorim has turned to Ayden Heaven in recent weeks as a key first-team pick amid the absences of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt.
Richards felt that the United result at Old Trafford showed Heaven’s different attributes, including his strength, pace and ability to read matches as well.
“But you know, he reads the game really well for a young player,” he explained.
“Obviously, physically, he can deal with it. He’s strong enough, he’s quick enough, but he reads the game well.
“That, for a young player to read the game like that […].”
Responding to Richards, Gary Lineker added: “Especially as a central defender.”
Richards then continued: “I just thought it was a really good performance from him. And they needed him because they’ve got injuries.
“But Man United didn’t play well, but they got the result and that’s all that mattered.”
Heaven has played the full 90 minutes of United’s last three matches and featured in the Red Devils’ last five fixtures ahead of Tuesday’s encounter with Wolves.
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