Story byAmorim’s ‘big call’ isn’t paying off, one Red is having a ‘pretty torrid’ first half vs IronsStretty NewsThu, December 4, 2025 at 8:41 PM UTC·2 min readRuben Amorim made an audacious change to his starting XI this evening when granting Ayden Heaven his first start of the season. Heading into the clash against West Ham, the Manchester United youngster had featured only twice in the opening 13 matches of the term. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe made a brief three-minute cameo in the closing stages of the draw with Fulham back in August before playing for 25 minutes in United’s 4-2 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on October 25. Ayden Heaven awarded rare start amid United absences(Photo by Justin Setterfield/)Amorim has included Heaven in his matchday squad for every gameweek thus far, showing he does maintain faith that the centre-half can do a job when called upon – such as tonight. With Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire ruled out through injury, the 19-year-old got the nod to fill in for his senior counterparts at the back. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAs well as the duo, Leny Yoro has also dropped to the bench after struggling last time out against Crystal Palace, during which he conceded the foul to award Palace their first-half spot-kick and subsequent goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta. When pressed on the Frenchman’s absence before kick-off, Amorim stated it was ‘just a tactical issue’. Journalist reacts to Heaven’s display early on()Within the first eight minutes of action at Old Trafford tonight, Heaven had been brandished a yellow card, meaning he has to be on his absolute best behaviour for however long he’s trusted on the pitch – perhaps even for the full 90 minutes. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Pretty torrid opening 11 minutes from Heaven. Got too tight against [Callum] Wilson, booked and even that back pass did [Senne] Lammens no favours. Big call pitting him against Wilson,” reacted Samuel Luckhurst on . A moment later, he added: “Yoro [is] already warming up.”More Stories / Latest NewsAmorim’s ‘big call’ isn’t paying off, one Red is having a ‘pretty torrid’ first half vs Irons Dec 4 2025, 20:41David Ornstein: Man United retain interest in Antoine Semenyo Dec 4 2025, 12:55Amorim’s two mystery injury doubts revealed as Man Utd duo set for late tests Dec 4 2025, 11:13.
