Roy Keane has singled out Ayden Heaven for praise after his ‘outstanding’ performance in Manchester United’s 1-0 Boxing Day win over Newcastle.
Patrick Dorgu scored the only goal of the game as the Red Devils secured all three points in the Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
But Keane was left more impressed with United’s defence after Heaven, who is left-footed, was thrown into an unfamiliar right centre-back role.
The 19-year-old played the full 90 minutes and was named Man of the Match by fellow Sky Sports pundit and former United star Gary Neville.
Heaven won all of his ground duels and aerial duels, had a passing accuracy of 94 per cent and produced eight clearances with no fouls committed.
Keane, speaking after United’s victory, said: ‘He (Heaven) did very well. The game suited him.
‘He has learnt his trade. These are basic parts of defending. It gives you confidence. Outstanding.’
Neville: Heaven was absolutely brilliant
Neville added: ‘Manchester United hung in there. Heaven was absolutely brilliant.
‘Those Newcastle players… four or five of them collapsed to the ground at the end. Heaven has been the Man of the Match.’
Heaven: I was playing on my weaker foot!
‘Finally, clean sheet, we’ve been waiting for this, and I’m just so happy,’ Heaven said after the match.
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‘This guy (Dorgu) here helped us get there, so thankful to everyone that helped us.
‘It was different, I was playing on the right side, obviously my weaker foot.
‘The manager, we play loads of formations with him, whatever he does we know it’s going to work, you saw today. I’m so proud of the team.’
Heaven joined United from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee in February 2025, signing a four-and-a-half-year deal with an option for an extra year.
The England U20 international has started five Premier League games for the Red Devils so far this season.
United, meanwhile, are back in action on Tuesday night when they host 20th-placed Wolves.
