Heaven was handed his first start since interim head coach Michael Carrick took charge, and played his part in helping United preserve a clean sheet on their away trip to Stamford Bridge. United signed Heaven from Arsenal in February last year in a deal valued at up to £1.5million, and the defender has now earned the admiration of club legend Ferdinand following the win against Chelsea.
“The recruitment has taken a battering at Manchester United over the last 10 years & rightly so,” Ferdinand began in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “But we need to shout out… Ayden Heaven – £1m. Still lots to learn, but called upon once again and delivered!”
United went into the fixture against Chelsea without a number of their central defensive options, with Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro both sidelined through injury, while Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez were absent due to suspension, reports the Manchester Evening News.
This meant Carrick named Heaven in the starting line-up at centre-back alongside Noussair Mazraoui, who typically operates as a full-back. Heaven also received praise from United captain Bruno Fernandes, who elaborated on why the 19-year-old defender had caught his eye.
“Great performance from everyone, especially the five at the back with Senne [Lammens],” Fernandes told TNT Sports.
“Nous [Mazraoui], great job today playing out of position. Diogo [Dalot] and Luke [Shaw], really good in the duels with the one-vs-one with the wingers.
“Ayden [Heaven], amazing again. Young kid. He transforms himself when he comes on the pitch. But then I think it’s also from the guys in the front who put a big shift in. Cas [Casemiro] and Kobbie today were amazing, and vital for us to get the win today.”
United have five matches remaining this season in the Premier League, beginning with a clash against Brentford on Monday, April 27, followed by fixtures against Liverpool, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton as the race for Champions League qualification enters its final stages.