One of Manchester United’s top prospects is struggling for game time, despite high compliments from the head coach.
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is attempting to push the Red Devils up the Premier League table. And this has meant there is very little room for rotation.
Just ask Kobbie Mainoo, who has not started a Premier League game so far this season. Mainoo has only played 76 minutes in the league so far, across three appearances.
In comparison to Ayden Heaven, that’s substantial, with the young centre-back playing just three minutes in the league all season.
Ayden Heaven has fallen out of favour
Ayden Heaven has struggled for game time so far this season, despite being fully fit and available to play.
Heaven made a positive impression in the second half of last season after his January transfer from Arsenal.
The young centre-back was even hailed as the prototype for Manchester United transfers.
Speaking after the final game of the 2024/25 season, Ruben Amorim said: “Jason Wilcox is doing a great job bringing Ayden.
“I think these types of players are what we need. He showed a lot of quality and character after the big injury.
“We want these types of players.”
However, Heaven has not managed to get into the team this season, despite Amorim’s penchant for defensive substitutions.
Heaven has only played three minutes, coming on as a substitute against Fulham in the second league game of the season, and has not featured since.
There was one opportunity he did have. Heaven was a starter in the ill-fated Carabao Cup tie with Grimsby Town, which United drew 2-2 and lost on penalties.
Heaven was one of two youthful centre-backs selected along with Tyler Fredricson. Neither have played any minutes since.
The main problem for United is a lack of opportunities to now rotate, with no European football this season at all.
With Lisandro Martinez set to return from injury over the coming months, Heaven will soon face even more competition for places at the position.
Chido Obi also currently an afterthought
Ayden Heaven’s situation is not totally unique at Manchester United this season, due to games only taking place once per week.
Chido Obi is another talented wonderkid struggling to make the breakthrough into the first team this season.
Obi started the first pre-season game, but has not played a single minute of first team football, even in the Carabao Cup.
Obi has been in prolific form at under-21 football this season, with three goals so far. It is a subtle reminder to Amorim not to forget about him.
Obi and Heaven will both have to be patient, and seize any opportunities that do come their way,
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