Manchester United fans have plenty of heroes to celebrate after the winning streak got extended to three games, but the latest game was also noticeable for last year’s breakout wonderkid.
It seems like an era ago, but Ruben Amorim couldn’t buy a win in the league last season, partly because the players weren’t suited, and partly because he had one eye on Europe.
Now that a three-game winning streak has the club back competing for European spots, the breakout players from last season who were a shining light in dire circumstances must not be forgotten.
It is just as well, then, that the best surprise from last season sent Amorim a timely reminder of his qualities against Brighton.
Ruben Amorim sent a firm reminder by Ayden Heaven
United’s defence has such a settled look to it, especially because of Harry Maguire’s resurgence and Matthijs de Ligt’s imperious level, that players beyond them have been forgotten.
Even Leny Yoro can’t start right now in a first-choice XI, but Ayden Heaven’s case is a bit different.
As a left-footer, he has what only Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez do in terms of suitability for the left-sided centre-back spot.
As Shaw has stayed fit this season and United play once a week, Heaven has been forced to watch from the bench with the odd cameo here and there.
Against Brighton, Amorim finally had the chance to make some daring subs as the team led 3-0, which is when Heaven’s number was called.
Slotting in on the left in place of Shaw, Heaven sent a firm reminder of his qualities to Amorim almost immediately.
He launched into tackles with trademark authority, brought the ball out of defence with silky composure, and even showed some improvement in his aerial game.
The icing on the cake was a well-deserved assist in injury time for Bryan Mbeumo’s second, courtesy of Bruno Fernandes’ audacious dummy.
However, it was still Heaven’s zipped pass that created the chance in the first place, reminiscent of the quality United have missed in Lisandro Martinez’s absence.
Shaw is more of a ball-carrier, but Heaven combines carrying with progressing passing, while having the physicality (read: Height) that Martinez doesn’t have.
At his peak, he will be the best and most complete centre-back at Old Trafford for the left-sided spot.
Amorim needs to carve minutes for Heaven
For Heaven to realise his potential, he needs to be given more minutes than he has been this season.
Shaw deserves credit for staying fit, but Heaven, who deputised for Shaw and Martinez so well last season, shouldn’t go to the back of the line just because he’s young.
If anything, Shaw should be subbed off after 60 minutes in most games for Heaven, ensuring two objectives are hit at the same time.
Shaw’s workload remains managed, and Heaven gets consistent minutes, sometimes in tense situations, to accelerate his development.
Martinez’s return will be another puzzle for Amorim to solve, because even though it’s a good kind of headache, it is a headache nonetheless.
Shaw and Martinez might be the present, but Heaven, who is the future of this club, shouldn’t be stalled in the present.
Leave a Reply