Heaven motivated to continue developing

With 14 first-team appearances under his belt and many months of learning from experienced fellow defenders, the 19-year-old says he feels more “confident” and “like a completely different player now”.

In the absence of Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, Ayden has been enjoying a run of five successive Premier League starts for the Reds and has taken that responsibility in his stride.

Speaking to United Review, the official matchday programme, ahead of our final game of 2025 against Wolves on Tuesday, Ayden has been reflecting on his time at Old Trafford so far and what he’s looking forward to in 2026.

“I’ve enjoyed it,” said Heaven. “I've done well, I think, with the chances I've had, and, yeah, I just want to take it into the next year and continue developing.

“It motivates me in a way, like I said, to keep developing and to know I’m capable of playing games like that. It just motivates me.

“I was surprised at how quick I got my chances when I first joined, but I was ready, so hopefully I can get more in the new year.”

The centre-back delivered another strong performance in our Boxing Day win over Newcastle United - after which Ruben Amorim said that he was “really pleased” with Ayden and feels that “he’s improving every game”.

The teenager hailed the impact the boss has had in the time they have worked together.

“He’s a brilliant manager,” Ayden explained. “He’s always reassuring me and helping me improve. He’s a great guy as well off the pitch, and I’m going to love to continue working with him.

“It helps a lot to know that the manager cares about you and that he takes his time to come and speak to you. It’s good.”

Ayden Heaven will be the main feature interview in United Review, the official matchday programme, when Wolves visit Old Trafford on Tuesday 30 December. Order your copy here.