Ruben Amorim identifies Manchester United’s rising star amid Lisandro Martinez’s injury

Lisandro Martinez had been a key figure in Manchester United’s ongoing rebuilding process, but his ACL injury has forced coach Ruben Amorim to explore alternative options. With limited choices in defense, the Portuguese manager has identified a promising young talent emerging at Old Trafford.

United faced a difficult challenge at home against second-placed Arsenal. Despite the tough fixture, the Red Devils showed resilience, creating several clear chances in a game that ended in a 1-1 draw. During the match, Amorim handed 18-year-old Ayden Heaven his Premier League debut — a decision that drew praise afterward.

“Ayden Heaven is so calm, so relaxed, that sometimes he’s too relaxed. I believe we have found a real player there. Now we have to manage him, guide him, and remind him that it’s just one game, etcetera,” Amorim said in his post-match press conference.

Heaven replaced Leny Yoro at halftime after the defender experienced discomfort. The young center-back, signed from Arsenal for €1.8 million, made his Premier League debut against his former club — and delivered a composed performance under pressure.

With Martinez facing an extended spell on the sidelines following his ACL injury — potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season and part of the next campaign — Heaven’s emergence offers Amorim a valuable defensive option during this turbulent period for the club.

More injury concerns ahead of Real Sociedad clash

Manchester United are set to face Real Sociedad in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie on Thursday, following a 1-1 draw in Spain. The match could prove pivotal, as the Europa League represents United’s last opportunity to secure a European spot for next season and avoid further financial strain.

Adding to Amorim’s concerns, Yoro is now in doubt for the upcoming clash after being substituted against Arsenal. “Leny has something in his foot. We’ll see if he’s available in Thursday,” Amorim said post-match.

With defensive absences mounting — including Martinez, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, and now Yoro — Amorim may once again turn to Heaven, who made his senior debut just eight days ago.