The focus at Manchester United in the last few days has been all about what’s happening off the pitch but it turns back to game day now.
Manchester United play what is probably the most important fixture of their season when they welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford in the second leg of their Europa League fixture.
With the tie firmly poised at 1-1, United need to exorcise their nightmares at the Theatre of Dreams and progress in the only cup competition they remain in.
Ahead of the pivotal clash, Manchester United trained and were boosted by the return of Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount.
However, it was the future of other two players that is probably fixed now as first-teamers if what happened at the training was any indication.
Man Utd’s two new first-team players
The training started with Ruben Amorim making his way to the pitch before being followed by players, all smiling, especially keen to welcome back Mount into the fray.
As is customary under Amorim for players returning from injury, Mount and Ugarte were asked to go through a lane with players on both sides ready to “greet” them with slaps in jest.
However, it was interesting to note that alongside the pair, Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven were also treated to this first-team ritual.
This could be a sign of things that both are considered established members of the first-team now, training regularly with the squad and expected to be named in match day squads when available.
It should be noted that Diogo Dalot and Andre Onana were also given the “slaps” for reasons unknown but it nevertheless bodes well for the former Arsenal pair to be named alongside established first-team players.
While Heaven was promoted as a first-team signing, this development, if true, is particularly notable for Chido Obi, who has effectively skipped U21 football altogether since joining just last summer.
Chido Obi can’t play against Real Sociedad but Ayden Heaven can
It is a shame that Chido Obi isn’t registered for Europa League this season, something which Ruben Amorim put down to the changing context.
Heaven, on the other hand, will be keen to build on his shining cameo vs Arsenal where he shone in 45 minutes against a dangerous attack, who also happens to be his former team.
Amorim praised Heaven after the game and with Harry Maguire set to miss this game as well, plus Leny Yoro suffering a knock vs Arsenal, the stage could be set for Heaven to make his first start.
It has quite a rapid rise for the pair brought from Arsenal and the two have stood out as rays of light in an otherwise dour campaign.
Permanent promotion to the first-team squad will be a valid and deserved reward for their progress.