Michael Owen criticises 'lackadaisical' Man Utd star after Leeds United draw

Former Manchster United striker Michael Owen (Picture: Premier League Productions)

Michael Owen criticised Ayden Heaven for his role in Leeds United ’s opener as Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw at Elland Road.

After an impressive first half at the heart of United’s defence, Heaven was caught napping at the back, with Brenden Aaronson taking advantage to slot past Senne Lammens and open the scoring.

Heaven’s blushes were spared just three minutes later, though, as Joshua Zirkzee , fresh off the bench, slipped through Matheus Cunha to equalise for Ruben Amorim ’s side.

United were ultimately forced to settle for a point, which leaves them with just one win from their last five Premier League matches.

And while keen to praise Aaronson for his finish, Owen feels that Heaven will be disappointed with his role in Leeds’ goal.

‘He (Aaronson) takes Heaven out of the game by cutting across him it’s textbook attacking play that is,’ Owen told Premier League Productions at full-time.

‘Direct to goal but taking the defender out by cutting across him. And then that angle, that distance out, it’s always a lovely combination. You always get a big gap from that type of angle, and he slots it home well.

Ayden Heaven made a costly error against Leeds United (Picture: Getty)

‘I just wonder with Heaven, he reacted quite slowly and didn’t get into his stride quick enough. He’s miles ahead his man.

‘He plays the ball and then drops into a really safe position as well. I just think those first three or four yards I think he’s a bit lackadaisical.’

Ruben Amorim made some explosive post-match comments (Picture: Getty)

While a frustrating draw extended United’s poor recent run of form, the fallout will likely be dominated by Amorim’s extraordinary comments in his post-match press conference.

The Red Devils boss insisted he wanted to be the ‘manager, not the coach’ and suggested he will leave the club at the end of his contract in 18 months time if he is not sacked before.

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Amorim has repeatedly voiced his displeasure at United’s planned lack of activity in the January transfer and Owen believes the Portuguese coach is right to be annoyed.

@metrosportuk A snooze fest where Amorim sends a message 👀 Leeds drew 1-1 with Manchester United at Elland Road in the Premier League, and the Red Devils’ manager, Ruben Amorim may have sent a message to the board over transfers this month after using eight defenders and two attackers in his starting lineup. #manchesterunited #leeds #premierleague #amorim #matchreaction ♬ original sound - Metro Sport

Patrick Dorgu was played out of position (Picture: Getty)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a man in form (Picture: Getty)

‘It was as inexperienced a bench (as I’ve seen),’ he said. ‘You look at it for experience and think are there any gamechangers in there.

‘Zirkzee was one obviously who came on, but benches are so important now and Manchester United haven’t got the strongest of ones. They need possibly the odd signings and certainly players coming back from international duty or injury.

‘I think there’s more too it than people are aware. I think there are some in-house fighting potentially, some discussions would be a polite word to use.

‘Whether he’s been promised or not I don’t know, but he certainly thinks he needs more (players) and I would suggest they do need more.

‘Whether they are going to trust him to spend an absolute fortune again remains to be seen but it doesn’t seem that way and it seems that he is a little bit frustrated, but that will definitely come out in the wash.’

United face a trip to face Burnley in midweek next up as they look to get back to winning ways.