Heaven says opportunities for young players was reason behind leaving Arsenal for Man United | OneFootball

Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven says the opportunities young players get at the club was the reason behind his switch from Arsenal in January.

18-year-old Heaven appeared to be on the path to the first team at the Gunners after making his debut in October 2024, before a surprise move at the end of the January transfer window landed him at Ruben Amorim’s United.

Heaven signed a four-and-a-half year contract at Old Trafford and was brought on as a substitute against his former club after impressing in training. A bad injury midway through March away at Leicester City curtailed his season, but he returned for the final two games of the Premier League season.

Speaking to MUTV, the youngster explained the opportunities he was offered at United were more than enough to convince him to sign.

“The opportunities that the young players have got here in the past,” Heaven said.

“I think United had the most minutes given to teenagers last season [2023/24]. That convinced me to come here.

“And the people and the fans here are quite loving, and I felt that when I was playing. They’re so supportive.

“He [Amorim] just said that our play style will suit me, because they play three at a back and I play on the left of the three, so that allows me to run with the ball.

“That’s one of my strengths. And defending out wide is one of my strengths as well.”

Heaven also thanked the likes of Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes for welcoming him to the club, as well as explaining the relationship he has struck up with fellow January arrival Patrick Dorgu.

“The first day I was here, at Carrington, he [Mount] came up to me and introduced himself and we had a good 10-minute conversation,” Heaven added.

“He reminded me that we played each other in pre-season and he remembered a tackle I hit him with in the first minute!

“So, yeah, me and Mason are good friends. And obviously Bruno [Fernandes], as well, the captain, he’s helped.

“Patrick [Chinazaekpere Dorgu] as well, we signed together, basically the same week and we’ve been together since then.”