Man Utd dealt huge injury blow to former Arsenal youngster as Ruben Amorim responds

Ruben Amorim was forced to take Ayden Heaven off during Manchester United's 3-0 win over Leicester City. The 18-year-old defender made first Premier League start at the King Power Stadium on Sunday evening as the Red Devils cruised to victory.

Shortly after half-time, Heaven, who joined United from Arsenal in the January transfer window, appeared to suffer an ankle injury. The teenager looked to be in great discomfort while receiving treatment before he was stretchered off the pitch and replaced by Toby Collyer.

"It's the way that he went down, Ayden Heaven," said Andy Hinchcliffe from the gantry on Sky Sports. "It was awkward, a twisting motion. How unfortunate is this? He's just got his break, just got himself into the team. It doesn't look good. You can only wish him all the best."

Amorim will be hoping Heaven can make himself available for selection after the international break, with some difficult fixtures coming up. Next month, United will lock horns with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, Manchester City at Old Trafford, Olympique Lyonnais at the Groupama Stadium and then Newcastle at St. James' Park.

"I don't know, it's hard to know because we have to evaluate during the week," Amorim said post match. "And also because he is a young kid that doesn't know how to explain and that makes it a little bit harder to understand what he is feeling."

football.london understands that Arsenal received significant compensation for Heaven, who didn't warrant a transfer fee having not signed a professional contract at the Emirates Stadium. Despite losing the youngster and, previously Chido Obi-Martin not too long ago, the Gunners have remained calm.

Heaven announced his departure from the North London outfit on Instagram. The England Under-19 international wrote: "As the time has come for me to move on, I wanted to say how grateful I am to the good people at Arsenal who supported me during my time with the club.

"As a North London boy, I lived the dream of training and playing at Hale End and London Colney, as well as making my professional debut in the League Cup. A big thank you too to Arsenal fans."

Upon signing a four-and-a-half-year contract at United, which includes the option of an additional year, Heaven told the official club website: "I am incredibly proud to join Manchester United.

"I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this dream a reality. There is so much that I want to achieve in the game, I’ll be giving everything to continue my development and become the best player that I can be."

Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox, the technical director at United, said: "We are delighted that Ayden has joined Manchester United. He is already an extremely talented defender who is ready to join our first-team squad in order to maximise his development.

"This club has a phenomenal track record of supporting young players and we believe that Ayden is in the perfect place to reach his excellent potential."

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