Ayden Heaven has been somewhat of a forgotten man under Michael Carrick, but he has fought his manager’s side on a key issue.
There hasn’t been much wrong with Michael Carrick since he took over at Man Utd, but the intense scrutiny will always bring up some worries.
From United dropping points every time they have a game with a break of less than a week, to the performance levels at times, he has been doubted.
However, it is a huge endorsement when the player he hasn’t given many chances to, Ayden Heaven, fights his corner as well.
What’s your biggest worry for Michael Carrick right now?
Team selections? Recent results? Something else you just don't feel right about? Let everyone know!
Ayden Heaven praises Michael Carrick’s squad management
Carrick has been handcuffed to an extent in terms of squad management because there simply aren’t enough games to go around.
Heaven has ended up feeling the brunt of that scenario, plus the formation change, which meant one less place for a CB in the XI.
There have been doubts about Carrick’s rotational policy as a result, because Heaven has proven himself capable of contributing at the highest level.
However, the player himself has fully backed Carrick’s squad management, saying he is always looking to reward and help players improve.
He said [via Man Utd’s YouTube channel]: “Michael is a good, good coach, and he’s always looking to give opportunities. He’s always seeing what he can do to help us, you know, as a player, especially me, being very young, he helps me.”
Man Utd will have to take a jump with this doubt
It is easy to say that Carrick should have rotated more this season, but if the team is winning and the players are fresh, then it makes no sense to rotate.
Do you agree? Is Michael Carrick the best managerial option?
Is Champions League qualification enough? Or do you need to see more?
With four competitions next season, it’s a question Man Utd simply cannot expect Carrick to answer this season, no matter how good he performs.
The club will have to take a jump and hope Carrick navigates multiple competitions just as well as he has navigated the PL this season.
Heaven’s words paint the picture of a manager who is clearly keeping the players on the bench on his side, which is a key part of squad management.
If he can use the full squad next season and keep the morale up, then it will be a huge box ticked.
Currently, it’s simply impossible to answer that question. On the basis of the evidence we do have, Carrick can be trusted with that jump.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
