Ayden Heaven names key reason he left Arsenal to join Manchester United and his first impressions of Ruben Amorim after scoring for the Red Devils on post-season tour of Asia

The 19-year-old centre-back, who joined the Gunners' youth academy at age 14, made the switch after five years in north London. Despite making his first-team debut for Arsenal in October and being a regular fixture in Mikel Arteta's pre-season plans last summer, Heaven opted for a fresh start. His appearances were limited to just three games, and by the end of the January transfer window, he had secured a move to United.

After signing for the Red Devils, Heaven quickly began to make his mark. He was handed his debut in the Emirates FA Cup clash against Fulham and followed it up with notable performances against his former club Arsenal in the Premier League and Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

Unfortunately, his momentum was briefly halted by an injury sustained during a match against Leicester City. However, he made a timely recovery, regaining fitness in time for United’s post-season tour of Asia. Heaven capped off the campaign by scoring in a 3-1 victory over Hong Kong, leaving a strong impression on the coaching staff and fans heading into the summer.

Speaking to MUTV, the England U19 international said the opportunity to grow and play regularly as a young talent influenced his decision to leave Arsenal.

"The opportunities that the young players have got here in the past," he said. "I think United had the most minutes given to teenagers last season [2023-24]. That convinced me to come here. And the people and the fans here are quite loving, and I felt that when I was playing. They're so supportive."

Heaven credited head coach Ruben Amorim with playing a pivotal role in convincing him that United was the right environment to nurture his potential.

"He just said that our play style will suit me, because they play three at a back and I play on the left of the three, so that allows me to run with the ball," Heaven remembered.

"That's one of my strengths. And defending out wide is one of my strengths as well."

Having ended the 2024–25 season on a high note and impressed on the club's summer tour, Heaven is now eyeing a breakthrough campaign in 2025–26. With United focusing on youth under Amorim’s leadership and aiming to build a team that blends experience with emerging talent, the stage is set for Heaven to continue rising.