- Ayden Heaven enjoying top form for Manchester United
- Central defender should be in World Cup squad
- Never been called up to senior side
Ayden Heaven has been having an incredible spell as a Manchester United defender in recent times. The 2025/26 season, however, started with minimal appearances for the Reds, hindered by early exits from the EFL and FA Cup.
By the time December had come around, the defender had only seen 28 minutes of Premier League action. This was under Ruben Amorim, who thought very highly of the teenager. A bad run of injuries in defence saw him collect more minutes before Michael Carrick took charge in January.
A quote from the former head coach last year rings true once again. Speaking after his impressive performance against Newcastle United in September, Amorim said: “If he [Heaven] continues to play like that, it is going to be really hard to take his place.”
Back then, it was a warning to Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire. Right now, it feels applicable to Lisandro Martinez. The World Cup winner returned to the starting eleven against Sunderland, much to the dismay of fans on social media. Heaven has hardly put a foot wrong, which goes a long way in gaining recognition from the United faithful.
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Merit Order at England Helps but Hinders Heaven
England’s current pool of centre-backs is hardly a collection of undisputed superstars. Under manager Thomas Tuchel, a meritocratic approach has become the standard. Recent recalls for Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo based on their Manchester United form under Carrick proves that. The shift in selection policy is why Heaven should be seriously considered for a World Cup place.
However, the main barrier remains the established and more experienced names currently occupying the squad slots. In the most recent international friendlies, the Three Lions lined up with Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi against Japan, followed by Fikayo Tomori and Maguire against Uruguay. John Stones and Trevor Chalobah are also in the mix despite not featuring in the last break due to injuries.
Newcastle United’s Dan Burn remained an unused substitute too. For Heaven to make the plane, he would have to usurp two or three established internationals in the pecking order before the World Cup squad is announced on 22 May.
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The Race Against Time to Impress Tuchel
The most significant hurdle for Heaven to overcome is time. His run of form at Old Trafford may have arrived just a few months too late for Tuchel’s selection headaches. The teenager is still waiting for his first senior England call-up, so jumping the gun straight into a World Cup feels premature.
The former Chelsea boss Tuchel has previously suggested that Heaven’s teammate, Maguire, sits as low as fifth choice in his plans. As nonsensical as it sounds given his England experience, if a veteran like Maguire is fighting for relevance, a place on the plane to North America is unrealistic for Heaven this summer.
If selection was truly based on merit, Heaven’s case is undeniable. He has been dominant against elite opposition such as Chelsea, Liverpool, and Brentford. The 19-year-old has stepped into the shoes of a World Cup winner like Martinez with ease. If Heaven returns to the starting eleven against Nottingham Forest next Sunday (17 May), he can use that as a last-minute audition.
