Hopefully he gets a run of games then. He does look a beast
Ayden Heaven | 2024/25 Performances
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) and Imran (@Annihilate Now!) are here to discuss three 1-1 draws.
The first got us knocked out of the FA Cup, the next puts us in a good position in our Round of 16 Europa League game, and the latest was an actual decent performance against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
All hopes for the season now rest on the Europa League - does Amorim have the squad to win it?
I didn't think he looked great in the one under 21 game that I saw him play. I could tell he was comfortable in possession, but I had doubts about his defensive instincts. His ability to anticipate danger. Early days, but his appearances in the first team so far have been a really pleasant surprise to me.
I'm guessing he gambled that he would be closer to the first team with us and so far it seems like he's right. Of course injuries have made it happen faster than he might've expected but he's getting a chance to show what he can do in the men's game.Did he say he preferred to play CB or was it actually in midfield so that’s why he left Arsenal in the first place? He came here and is still playing CB
He seems a natural in the CB position though
I think any worries about CB or CM is secondary to actually getting minutes for him. And maybe he thinks the LCB position is perfect since he'll get a bit more licence to get forward than if we just played with two CBs.
I think darmian was a punt. Shaw would have been a good buy of his injuries weren't a factor. I haven't read enough to see if he had signs of that at Southampton, 50 or 60 games at that age....
I like De Ligt and think he's the right answer for our middle defender.
I like Dalot, but I don't think he's good enough to start. Dorgu I have no idea, he could be an evra, or a buttner.
Remember the days the Caf thought Smalling-Jones had our centre back situation sorted for 10 years.
His athleticism puts a great deal of the rest of our squad to shame, which is a sad indictment given he's a young kid.
It's clear why we were after him though, there's the makings of a top defender there.
It's clear why we were after him though, there's the makings of a top defender there.
Yeah him and Yoro with 5 years partnership experience and still only 23 will be interesting
Ooh Ruben do you know what he’s worth?
Ayden Heaven is the best on earth.
They with Heaven, the tackle comes first
Ayden Heaven is the best on earth.
Who made Heaven the best on earth?
Ayden Heaven is the best on earth.
They with Heaven, the tackle comes first
Ayden Heaven is the best on earth.
Who made Heaven the best on earth?
That's what I tell my missus.
Whilst these things rarely work out as planned, if those three do all gel and fulfil their potential, it’s a really well balanced 3. Yoro and Heaven are already good at progressing the ball, especially dribbling it. Yoro was considered an elite level defensive dribbler in France, and Heaven developed primarily as a midfielder before eventually switching to defence. De Ligt as the central of the three offers a nice balance and is perfectly competent with the ball. If he has Yoro and Heaven either side of him, I don’t see the need for a more progressive CB in the centre.
We’ll need depth, more than anything at the back. Braithwaite is still an option to be considered long time, as he can play off either feet and comfortably perform in any of the three CB positions.
Branthwaite has been poor this season, especially against us. He’s at Everton for a while
Impressed with him. He looked nervy today, but still managed to get a lot of big decisions right. Good recruitment.
I love Martinez but I've moved on from him. Now it's all about this squad needing height, pace and athleticism. It's been overlooked for far too long with our recruitment. Martinez has none of those things as do far too many of our signings in the last decade.
Our recent signings particularly the younger ones (Yoro, Leon, Chido Obi, Heaven, Dorgu) offer me encouragement.
Encouraging signs. We will make a profit off him nqat.
The way he moves kind of reminds me of Smalling
The way he moves kind of reminds me of Smalling
I was impressed by how calm he is, and nothing is phasing him. Wow. At such a young age.
Why would we spend a big chunk of money on him when we're broke and also have Heaven now? Better get someone on a free (Boscagli) or hope Kukonki makes it as well.
Yes 100%.
We need to reach a consensus on what ideal attributes are need in each position and really go after players that actually fit that mould before sacking Amorim. e.g., on the wide center backs, we need some pace, ability to defend wide spaces, ability to carry the ball forwards and so on. Trust in INEOS and Vivell, they'll get it right. It's not rocket science.
Amorim can do himself a huge favor by winning the EL this season. For me:
Wide center backs: Yoro, New CB, Mazroui, Heaven is decent coverage (Lindelof and Evans out)
CCB: Maguire, De Ligt is good.
I like him already.
Actually meets the physical attributes needed for his position, which seems to be a bit of a rarity at United.
Actually meets the physical attributes needed for his position, which seems to be a bit of a rarity at United.
You were talking sense and then you included Maguire. If United is going to move forward, Maguire has no role in that side
We need more of these type of signings. Players we sign for peanuts and they can step up almost immediately.
True but it’s also about Passing no? And Martinez is the best passing CB we have. He’s the only one that looks to play it through the lines and starts us of on attacks. But ye I agree we need to sign a taller athletic CB who’s decent at switching play and passing forward.
Did let a few crosses in early on but also had that good sliding clearance for another attempted cross
Ayden is composure personified. Seems to have an effortless way of running, which illustrates genuine pace. His passing is good, aerially strong. Needs to tighten up on the crosses coming from the wide areas but that's another string he will add to his bow. As soon as he settles in regularly, he will get better.
This is the type of players United need to be recruiting to raise standards. More technically gifted, athletic and intelligent players.
This is the type of players United need to be recruiting to raise standards. More technically gifted, athletic and intelligent players.
I don't want to get ahead of myself but I can see a Rolls-Royce emerging from him in the future.
What surprised me the most was how physically ready he looked. He's got some pace and has that lanky tall body type that attackers struggle against. Looked very comfortable on the ball too. Hope we get to see more of him.
Was 'saved' by their goal from giving away a pen, but really solid otherwise. Excellent punt and basically no risk attached
Like others have said he has a great physical profile and looked quite calm on the ball. Got lucky the handball wasn't given but it was a solid performance considering the circumstances.
Love how he roared the crowd. 
Can that sort of handball actually be given though?
No, it hit him first and then his hand. Not sure about in Europe, but probably would have been a penalty under their interpretation.
Either way though, would have been incredibly harsh. Hasn't really impeded an attacking player or anything. They need to stop making such a pigs ear of handballs in the box. Doesn't seem to be about intention anymore, and just about what kind of unlucky you are
What instance are you on about?
It isn't a handball by PL rules. As neville said he headed it onto his hand but if it just hit his hand straight from the cross it would have been different
His handball could've been a pen but don't think it was reviewed since they scored before there was any chance for a review
Considering how good he’s been, was he in a Pique situation with Arsenal (where he had Rio and Vid ahead of him so had no chance)?
He looks good alright. Looking forward to seeing how he develops.
Might be the case. Arsenal fans didn’t rate him at all though.
It hit his head before his arm, it can't be a penalty?
It was reviewed and no pen given the commentators said so. See my post about 2 or 3 up. I didn't think it was even the same sequence of play
It was reviewed and cleared
Don't think the ball was out of play between the incident and the goal, was it?
Far too early to say anything and some of the posts seem to be taking the mick too but saw plenty to like there!
Brave and composed. Keep at it Heaven. All our centre backs were very good yesterday, loved how they stepped forward into midfield.
Brave and composed. Keep at it Heaven. All our centre backs were very good yesterday, loved how they stepped forward into midfield.