MUFC star who wasn’t expected to play again this season ‘delivered’ vs CFC, he’s given Carrick much to think about | OneFootball

Rio Ferdinand was keen to single out Ayden Heaven for praise following his stalwart display at the back against Chelsea on Saturday night.

The Manchester United youngster, 19, was restored to the starting XI for the first time in four months, as well as for the first time under Michael Carrick.

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Why Heaven was recalled to the line-up vs Chelsea

Carrick had no choice but to utilise Heaven due to the defensive crisis he was made to navigate before kick-off.

Not only was he left without his three most experienced centre-halves, with Matthijs de Ligt injured and both Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez suspended, but Leny Yoro proceeded to sustain an injury setback the day before the game.

The Frenchman was consequently omitted from the travelling squad, prompting fans to start speculating over how Carrick’s backline could look with only one senior centre-back available.

While it was anticipated that Luke Shaw might slot into the position, having deputised centrally before, Carrick actually opted for a partnership of Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui; the latter being a full-back by trade.

How Heaven fared in crucial win over Blues

Remarkably, the duo oversaw a formidable 90 minutes.

Credit must be given to Mazraoui for operating so comfortably out of position, while Heaven didn’t put a foot wrong after enduring 16 weeks of barely any action whatsoever.

Even back in February, with United knocked out of both cup competitions, The Athletic predicted that the teenager might not play again until 2026/2027.

However, he stepped in on Saturday and proceeded to claim the second-highest Fotmob rating (7.7) of any outfield player on either side, second only to his skipper, Bruno Fernandes.

It was more than deserved, too, as he recorded four clearances, four blocks, two tackles, one last-man tackle and one recovery, as well as making two final-third passes.

Post-match, Ferdinand took to X/Twitter to react to the former Arsenal prospect’s performance, saying: “The recruitment has taken a battering at Manchester United over the last 10 years & rightly so, but we need to shout out Ayden Heaven – £1 million. Still lots to learn, but called upon once again & delivered!”

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