Ayden Heaven is one of three youngsters who could leave Manchester United on loan in January, having struggled to force his way into Ruben Amorim’s plans this season.
Heaven, 19, spent five years at Arsenal progressing through the youth academy before making a controversial move to United in January.
Joining the senior squad rather than United’s youth ranks, the defender impressed in first-team outings in the Premier League and Europa League. While an ankle injury curtailed his season, his early performances showed plenty of promise ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
United’s fixture schedule has been drastically reduced this season given their lack of European football and their early exit from the Carabao Cup. It has seen a number of players starved of first-team opportunities, including Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, with Heaven managing just 28 minutes of Premier League football this season.
The Londoner made appearances off the bench in games against Fulham and Brighton but has been an unused substitute throughout the campaign.
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His situation is unlikely to improve with Lisandro Martinez returning to the squad. The Argentina international was back on the bench as United fell to a dismal 1-0 defeat at home to Everton on Monday and is likely to move ahead of Heaven in the pecking order once he is fully fit.
His place on the bench could also be at risk when Harry Maguire returns to fitness.
The Mail report Heaven’s situation will now be assessed ahead of the January window with Diego Leon and Sekou Kone two other youngsters who could be sent out on loan in the New Year.
Leon, a £7million summer signing, is still waiting for his competitive debut and now open to a temporary switch away from United.
Kone recently returned to action after suffering a concussion in a heavy collision in a National League Cup tie at Tamworth.
Heaven spent five years at Arsenal’s academy, making one appearance for Mikel Arteta’s senior side before making the move to Old Trafford. He became the second Arsenal youth star to make the move to United, following Chido Obi who left north London last year.
In June, he revealed it was United’s history of youth development and a pathway to the first-team that convinced him to make the move.
‘The opportunities that the young players have got here in the past,’ Heaven told MUTV when asked why he decided to join Manchester United.
‘I think United had the most minutes given to teenagers last season [2023/24]. That convinced me to come here.
‘And the people and the fans here are quite loving, and I felt that when I was playing. They’re so supportive.’