Image credit: Getty Images
Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven suffered a serious injury during his first Premier League start against Leicester City, forcing him to be stretchered off at the King Power Stadium.
The 18-year-old, who joined United from Arsenal in January for £1 million, had been delivering a solid performance before an unfortunate tangle with Leicester forward Patson Daka cut his evening short. After shepherding the ball out for a goal kick following a dangerous cross from Jamie Vardy, Heaven appeared to twist his ankle and immediately signaled for medical attention.
Play was halted for five minutes as medics from both teams attended to the youngster, who was visibly in pain before being carried off and replaced by Toby Collyer.
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Heaven made his first senior start for United in the midweek Europa League victory over Real Sociedad and retained his place in the lineup as manager Ruben Amorim dealt with a growing injury crisis. United were already without Leny Yoro, Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw, while Lisandro Martínez remains a long-term absentee after suffering an ACL tear.
Ayden Heaven suffered a serious injury for Manchester United (Image credit: Getty Images)The teenager had been part of a back three alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Victor Lindelöf and impressed with his composure on the ball and defensive duels before his unfortunate exit. United have yet to provide an update on the severity of his injury.
On the pitch, Rasmus Højlund ended his 21-game goal drought by opening the scoring for United before Alejandro Garnacho doubled the lead.
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Speaking after the match, Amorim praised Heaven’s potential and recent performances but urged him to keep improving.
Former Arsenal defender, Ayden Heaven has suffered a really serious injury in Manchester United’s game against Leicester City tonight.
The 18-year-old was starting the first Premier League game of his career.
We’re with you, Ayden. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BY6ernSy6N
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) March 16, 2025
“If he continues like that, he is going to play,” Amorim said. “Of course, he is young, and he hasn’t played much this season—just 45 minutes for the Under-21s, then a few minutes here, and now a full game. I really like his confidence.
“He has good pace, he defends the box well, and I think he is quite complete. But the Premier League is different. He will be tested in new ways, and we are trying to manage his development because he is still really young.”
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