Ayden Heaven’s return from injury has eased pressure on Manchester United’s defensive department ahead of the Europa League final.
Although Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat against Chelsea, losing for the 18th time in the Premier League this season, there was something for fans to be positive about.
Firstly, United left Stamford Bridge without any fresh injury setbacks. The last thing Ruben Amorim needs before the Europa League final on Wednesday night is additional injuries.
United are without Lisandro Martinez and Joshua Zirkzee for the remainder of the season, while late fitness tests will be given to Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt ahead of the final against Tottenham.
The second positive from the Chelsea defeat saw Ayden Heaven make his return from injury.
It means Heaven will be closer to match sharpness as United look to go all the way unbeaten in the Europa League.
Ayden Heaven excited for Europa League final
It looks like Heaven couldn’t have timed his return from injury better, but Amorim will hope that players such as Yoro and De Ligt can say the same before the squad travels to Bilbao.
The 18-year-old defender made a surprising appearance off the bench against Chelsea. It marked the first time fans had seen Heaven in action in two months after he was stretchered off in the 3-0 victory over Leicester City before the March international break.
Amorim was limited in options defensively without Heaven, who only joined the club following a transfer from Arsenal in January, but now the youngster is in contention to play in the final.
Taking to Instagram, Heaven shared a photo of himself at Stamford Bridge, expressing his happiness at returning and how excited he is about the upcoming final.
Heaven wrote: “Felt so good to be back… onto the final in Bilbao!”
The United head coach can also select a back-three from Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof, who all started against Chelsea on Friday night.
Chance for Heaven to win first major trophy
At the age of 18, it’s important to remember that Heaven is new to senior football.
That doesn’t prevent Heaven from looking years beyond his peers, especially as a centre-back, looking extremely composed in possession and strong in the tackle.
Heaven has only been at Old Trafford since January but he has a golden opportunity to win his first major trophy. The same can be said for Yoro if he passes fit.
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