Manchester United given Ayden Heaven assessment as Amad new role 'considered' under Ruben Amorim

Manchester United enter the first international break of 2025 with a much-needed confidence boost.

Ruben Amorim's team thrashed Real Sociedad 4-1 (5-2 on aggregate) last week to ease into the Europa League quarter-finals. The Reds will play Lyon in the last eight as they move a step closer to an unlikely spot in next season's Champions League. To do so, they will need to reach the final and win on May 21.

United followed that victory over Sociedad with a convincing 3-0 win at relegation strugglers Leicester City. However, the three points was marred by a serious-looking injury to the impressive Ayden Heaven, who had to be stretched off.

With all that said, below are the latest media reports surrounding United, as well as a view on each one...

Heaven assessment

Dion Dublin has praised Matthijs de Ligt for helping Ayden Heaven look comfortable at United before his injury against Leicester. “He looks very comfortable,” former United player Dublin told Premier League Productions.

“When I was at the [Real] Sociedad game, De Ligt was talking to him all the way through the game, and he’ll need that little bit of reassurance from the seniors around him. But he’s playing like he’s played a couple of seasons for United, he’s asking for the ball, he’s making the angles in order to be free to get the ball.

“As a young player, sometimes you don’t make the angles and then you don’t get the ball. He wants it all the time. His defensive mindset is very good, so yeah, he’s gonna be around for a long time. We just hope [his injury] is not too bad.”

Isaac Seelochan of The Manchester Evening News says: "De Ligt played well at Leicester after a shakey performance against Sociedad. But Heaven has been the real star in defence for Amorim's team so far.

"Along with Leny Yoro, United have two centre-backs who look like they could play a major role at Old Trafford for the next decade or more."

Amad role

Amad could reportedly find himself under serious consideration to become a regular starter at right wing-back when he returns from injury.

GiveMeSport claim that Amorim initially intended to use Diallo in a central attacking midfield role after showcasing his productivity in the final third of the pitch. However, Geovany Quenda's decision to agree terms with Chelsea has reportedly resulted in a rethink.

Isaac Seelochan of The Manchester Evening News says: "It would be a shame to restrict Amad's attacking potential out-wide although he could offer plenty of pace and some much-needed work ethic in that position. The Ivorian has been a revelation under Amorim, and his return cannot come soon enough."

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