It may be viewed as clutching at straws, yet Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to rivals Arsenal has provided a fresh sense of optimism regarding the future of Manchester United.
That hope may well be extinguished by the time Thursday’s clash with Real Sociedad rolls around, yet reflecting on the weekend encounter, the second-half performance, in particular, showed that there might be life in the old dog just yet.
Of course, there is a sense of too little too late with United languishing in 14th in the Premier League table, yet the manner in which the Red Devils took to the game to the Gunners was reason for encouragement, having even gone on close to winning the game only to see both Noussair Mazraoui and Bruno Fernandes denied by David Raya.
Backed by a superbly supportive home crowd, there was an energy and vibrancy to Ruben Amorim’s side after the break, a potential sign of things to come later down the line as the Portuguese’s system truly takes shape.
A player who could potentially have a role for the long-term under Amorim is January arrival, Ayden Heaven, with the talented teenager quickly endearing himself to the Old Trafford faithful.
Ayden Heaven's start to life at Man Utd
There were no doubt a few raised eyebrows when the signing of Heaven – reportedly for a fee of just £1.5m – was followed by the announcement that he would go straight into the first-team squad in Manchester.
Prior to joining the Red Devils, the 18-year-old had made just a solitary competitive appearance for former club Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, albeit while having notably featured against United during last summer’s pre-season tour.
That July clash did actually see the promising centre-back burned for pace by the surging Rasmus Hojlund as the Dane impressively converted from the angle, although on the evidence of his first two outings in a United shirt, it looks as if the club “have a player” on their hands, in the words of Amorim.
Introduced for extra-time in the FA Cup meeting with Fulham, Heaven followed that up with another 30-minute cameo against his former employers last time out, notably catching the eye after recording an impressive 100% pass accuracy.
While Amorim quipped that the towering left-footer is perhaps “too relaxed” at times, it is encouraging to witness a youngster look so assured even in a chaotic side, with the defender showing no sign of nerves despite his minimal experience at first-team level.
With Lisandro Martinez sidelined for an extended period – and Leny Yoro having been hampered by injury this season – there could well be a role for Heaven in Amorim’s back three, both this season and beyond.
That said, the Hale End graduate will have competition from within United’s own academy ranks, with the Old Trafford side potentially brewing an even bigger centre-back star…
Man Utd's next centre-back sensation
Bruce and Pallister. Johnsen and Stam. Vidic and Ferdinand. Man United are a club famed for their legendary centre-back partnerships, having showcased a wealth of talent at the heart of the defence in the modern era.
In The Pipeline
Settling on a consistent duo or trio has proven far more difficult in recent times, yet with the likes of Yoro, Heaven and Matthijs De Ligt now on board, perhaps Amorim can finally configure a long-standing solution.
A player who could well join that list in the first-team ranks in the near future is 17-year-old, Godwill Kukonki, with the 6 foot 5 sensation having already been named in the matchday squad on three occasions this season.
A sign of the Englishman’s status at the club was particularly evident amid his inclusion in Amorim’s squad for the eventual defeat to Mikel Arteta’s side back in early December, even with the towering left-footer having been just 16 at the time.
As described by analyst Ben Mattinson, Kukonki is a “dominant” defender with an “aggressive front-footed nature on and off the ball”, possessing the ability to combine that defensive prowess with his “composure” in possession.
Player
Current club
Market value
Marcus Rashford
Aston Villa (loan)
£46m
Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United
£46m
Alejandro Garnacho
Manchester United
£42m
Scott McTominay
Napoli
£34m
Mason Greenwood
Marseille
£29m
Angel Gomes
Lille
£21m
Anthony Elanga
Nottingham Forest
£21m
Dwight McNeil
Everton
£21m
Andreas Pereira
Fulham
£17m
James Garner
Everton
£17m
Equally, the Manchester Evening News’ Steven Railston noted back in October that the teen titan ‘has the technical and physical qualities needed for senior football, despite being just 16’, with it no surprise that Amorim has already taken a liking to him.
A first-team bow has yet to emerge, yet it would be no surprise to see Kukonki heavily involved over the summer. Amorim – who unleashed 17-year-old Geovany Quenda during his time at Sporting CP – is clearly willing to trust the youth, if he deems them good enough.
With Kukonki already in and around the senior set-up at such a young age – even younger than Heaven – it points to just what a stunning talent the Stoke-born starlet is, as Amorim has already hinted at:
“He’s 16,” said the United boss to MUTV. “But he impressed me a lot, so it’s also a sign to the youth players that they can be here.
“If something happened with the first-team squad, they have to step up and I think he’s ready, he’s very adult to handle the demands of the Premier League.”
To be the subject of such praise at the age of 16 – having only turned 17 last month – is a real testament to Kukonki’s potential. Hopefully, he will be the next rising star to earn a permanent promotion before too long.
Heaven may already need to watch out…
Amorim must unleash "rapid" academy gem who could be Man Utd's new Carrick
The Manchester United could finally be the club’s next Michael Carrick for Ruben Amorim.
3 ByDan EmeryMar 10, 2025