'Outstanding': Roy Keane blown away by what one Man Utd star did vs Newcastle
Manchester United registered a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
A breathtaking first-half volley from Patrick Dorgu ultimately separated the sides and sealed all three points for the Red Devils.
While Dorgu delivered the decisive moment, it was Ayden Heaven who quietly stole the show.
Thrown into the unfamiliar right centre-back role, Heaven thrived as Ruben Amorim rolled the tactical dice with a surprise 4-2-3-1 system.
The teenager delivered a performance well beyond his years, earning a deserved 9/10 in our post-match ratings.
His display did not go unnoticed, drawing glowing praise from Sky Sports pundit Roy Keane.
The former United captain said: “He did very well. The game suited him. He has learnt his trade. These are basic parts of defending. It gives you confidence.
“Outstanding.”
Despite being naturally left-footed, Heaven looked completely at ease operating on the wrong side of central defence.
He exuded composure in possession, completing an impressive 94% of his passes under constant pressure.
Defensively, he was rock-solid, registering eight clearances and winning both of his duels.
Newcastle attempted to press and unsettle him, but Heaven remained unflustered throughout.
Instead of resorting to aimless clearances, he regularly used clever body feints to evade pressure and progress the ball.
His concentration levels stood out, combining intelligent box defending with incisive forward passing.
At just 19 years old, he already looks like a defender built for the very top.
Praise from Roy Keane is rarely handed out lightly, yet Heaven earned it emphatically.
Arsenal may come to rue their decision to let such a talent slip away earlier this year.
Stats from Fotmob.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .