Journo thinks Amorim was right about ‘relaxed’ Red who ‘sleepwalked’ through tonight’s game v Brighton

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Utd Report

·16 September 2026

Journo thinks Amorim was right about ‘relaxed’ Red who ‘sleepwalked’ through tonight’s game v Brighton

Ayden Heaven has been criticised for his lacklustre showing as Manchester United slumped to a 3-2 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 19-year-old was granted just his second appearance of the season, both of which came from the off.

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Ayden Heaven struggles in Carabao Cup opener

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Heaven partnered fellow youngster Leny Yoro at the back, with Michael Carrick opting to rest senior duo Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.

In regard to how the centre-half fared statistically, he made five recoveries, two headed clearances, two blocks and one tackle.

He won four of his eight ground duels attempted, one aerial duel and committed two fouls.

For Pascal Gross’ goal that made it 2-2 in the 65th minute, Heaven and Yoro were caught lacking when Brighton cleverly capitalised on United’s poor attempts at keeping possession.

Jamie Redknapp compared the two defenders’ play to that of a five-a-side team, adding that ‘if that doesn’t change, they won’t play for United again’.

"So poor, this isn't a five-a-side competition" "If that doesn't change, they won't play for Man United again" Jamie Redknapp criticises the defending of Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro 🔴
– Wednesday, 16 September 2026

Heaven said to have ‘sleepwalked’ through Seagulls loss

(Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Samuel Luckhurst also reflected on a statement made by Ruben Amorim during his tenure.

“Ayden is so relaxed. He seems so relaxed that sometimes he is too relaxed! But I think we have a player there. So now we have to control, to tell him that it was just a game etc.”

Luckhurst said tonight: “Amorim was a failure at MUFC, but he was right about an awful lot. Heaven has sleepwalked through tonight.”

Alas, it seems pretty nailed on that the former Arsenal academy prospect will lose his starting spot for Sunday’s trip to Fulham, which is now as good as a must-win game for United.