The Athletic: United star who’s made 11 appearances and 8 starts this season ‘might not play again’ until 2026/2027

Despite featuring in a sporadic role throughout the first half of 2025/2026, Manchester United fans mightn’t see much of Ayden Heaven for the remainder of the term.

Since the start of the season, the centre-half has featured 11 times in total, with eight of his Premier League appearances coming from the off.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Heaven was called upon in the absence of Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire , hence why he has since dropped to the bench following the latter’s return from injury.

He played throughout the final matches of Ruben Amorim’s tenure before retaining his place for the league clash away to Burnley under Darren Fletcher.

Following Michael Carrick’s appointment, Heaven was utilised in the dying embers of United’s Manchester derby triumph via a one-minute cameo, but was an unused option for the subsequent wins over Arsenal and Fulham.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

United having no Europe or cup action to account for from now until the summer means game time will be incredibly hard to come by for the 19-year-old, with Maguire, De Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro all ranking above him in the pecking order.

“Heaven was in the first team around Christmas but, given the lack of games, might not play again this season. He needs to develop and United’s view is that he can do that in training,” said The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell when weighing in on the youngster’s situation.

– Friday, 6 February 2026

Last Sunday marked a year since Heaven joined the club from Arsenal in a four-and-a-half-year deal. In total, he has made 18 senior appearances.

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The Athletic: United star who’s made 11 appearances and 8 starts this season ‘might not play again’ until 2026/2027

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