Man Utd legend pays huge compliment to youngster after impressing against Leicester | OneFootball

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney says youngster Ayden Heaven looked like he has been playing for the club for years after impressing against Leicester City.

Heaven, 18, was a January signing from rivals Arsenal and after impressing from the start in the Europa League win over Real Sociedad, was again given an opportunity in the starting 11 against Leicester.

The young defender starred in the 3-0 victory, catching the eye with his composure and some superb bits of defending.

And Rooney, who is Manchester United’s all-time record goalscorer, admits he is very excited about what is to come from him.

“Obviously, it is a huge football club, but at this time now where it is not maybe going right, to come in and play for Manchester United at 18, it is a lot of pressure,” Rooney said, speaking on Match of the Day Two.

“Those expectations are on you from the first minute. But I think in the games he has played, I think he has been fantastic.

“I came in as an 18-year-old at Manchester United and you do feel that pressure. But to come in as a centre-back, which is a position where you cannot afford to make mistakes as you get punished, it is very difficult.

“But he looks like he has been there for years – and that is the biggest compliment I can give him.”

Unfortunately for Heaven, he was dealt a blow in the second half when he was forced off on a stretcher after a nasty collision with Patson Daka.

He was later seen leaving the stadium in a protective boot and United boss Ruben Amorim offered an update on his injury after the game.

“It’s hard to know because we have to evaluate during the week,” Amorim said in a post-match interview with Sky Sports. “He already played well against Arsenal and Real Sociedad.

“Today for me was the most difficult game for him because we expect him to relax a bit, but he was so focused. It was clear today my players are at the limit. We are going to use this window to rest and recover, it will be good.

“The feeling is completely different. When we return it will be like starting from scratch.”