Manchester United may not have secured victory against Arsenal on Sunday but it was progress.
It may sound harsh but simply not losing a game of football should be a positive for Ruben Amorim’s men at the moment.
This has not been a rosy start to his tenure, to say the least, occupying 14th position, but time must be given.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, however controversial the new owner is, will surely know this isn’t an overnight fix. Amorim should be a project manager and they must give him a couple of seasons to reshape the squad.
As Gary Neville suggested on Sky Sports on Sunday, “it’s a really poor squad” and now “needs ripping up”.
That squad building should include three of the club’s brightest young stars, one of which shone during the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
Coincidentally, he came from the Gunners too…
Ayden Heaven’s performance in numbers
More injury woe for Amorim and Man United. Already missing Amad Diallo for the season and Lisandro Martinez, young centre-back Leny Yoro had to be withdrawn at half time with United leading 1-0.
On in his place came Ayden Heaven who was handed a Premier League debut against his former employers.
Heaven only signed for the Red Devils in February, leaving Arsenal behind after failing to agree new terms with the Londoners.
Well, it’s safe to say that he’s already come back to haunt them. He didn’t score but his second half display was remarkably composed, with the Express’ Alex Turk suggesting that he “already looks built for senior minutes” despite being just 18 years of age.
|
Heaven vs Arsenal |
|
|---|---|
|
Minutes played |
45 |
|
Touches |
18 |
|
Accurate passes |
4/8 (50%) |
|
Clearances |
3 |
|
Interceptions |
1 |
|
Tackles |
1 |
|
Ground duels won |
2/3 |
|
Aerial duels won |
1/2 |
|
Fouls |
1 |
|
Stats via Sofascore. |
|
Arsenal may not have had a natural striker on the pitch but he dealt with the interlinking play of Martin Odegaard and Co very nicely.
The teenage centre-back played just the second 45 but was excellent nonetheless, winning two of three ground duels and making three clearances. He also successfully ensured he wasn’t dribbled past a single time.
Yet, for all the hype he and fellow new signing from Arsenal, Chido Obi, are getting, let us not forget about the club’s homegrown Carrington stars.
Performance in Numbers
Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.
Toby Collyer certainly caught the eye on Sunday…
Toby Collyer’s performance in numbers
This time last year a midfielder by the name of Kobbie Mainoo was making waves in the United first team.
The teen was a regular starter and ultimately won his first England caps despite having played just half a season of senior football.
Well, in 2025, it could be the year of another central midfielder in the form of Toby Collyer.
The 21-year-old has only been seen in five Premier League matches this season due to injury but like Heaven, showcased what he’s all about with a late cameo at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Replacing Christian Eriksen with around 15 minutes to go, the young Englishman was brilliant, completing 100% of his passes and winning both of his ground duels.
Just for good measure, he didn’t let a single Arsenal player dribble past him and nearly became a match winner too.
A late Bruno Fernandes chance from close range was kept out by David Raya and Collyer came charging in to score the rebound, only for the Spanish stopper to react brilliantly to claw the ball off the line.
Had Collyer – whose contributions were supremely valuable – been a little quicker than he may have been darting off towards the crowd celebrating a famous win.
Despite that, he will no doubt be pleased to have looked so promising with United journalist Tom McDermott saying that “Heaven impressed when introduced and Collyer gained confidence.”
As it happens, this isn’t the first time the academy graduate has delivered a “statement performance” in the words of Statman Dave, with the young midfielder having “averaged a defensive action every 6.5 minutes” during the FA Cup win over Mikel Arteta’s team back in the winter.
With Casemiro back to his best during the win and Manuel Ugarte to return from injury, it remains to be seen whether Collyer will start. Either way, alongside Heaven, Obi and Co, Amorim has a brilliant trio who could form the spine of the team for many years to come.