The 2024/25 season saw Arsenal lose two top academy talents to Manchester United.
Ayden Heaven followed Chido Obi to Old Trafford after deciding to cut ties with Arsenal.
Though Mikel Arteta showed his trust in Arsenal’s academy talent last season, the pair didn’t see a way in at the Emirates.
Since leaving North London, both Obi and Heaven have earned minutes at senior level, but it’s not only the quest for game time that led them to the end of their roads at Arsenal.
Why Ayden Heaven left Arsenal for Manchester United
Per Mertesacker was an admirer of Heaven at Arsenal, but the teenager opted to join Man United when interest was shown.
It’s understandable for young players to switch clubs when a pathway into the first team is not visible, but this wasn’t the primary motive behind Heaven’s move.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the defender shared the main reason why he decided to join Ruben Amorim’s project, and it’s rather bizarre.
“Mainly it was the stadium,” Heaven said.
“It was one of the loudest I’ve been to or played in. That was one of the most encouraging bits to go and play for them. I saw myself in their squad as well.”
The 2006-born ace was so charmed by Old Trafford that he left his birth city to sign for United, which is quite a statement.
Heaven’s record since joining Man United
Aside from loving Old Trafford, Heaven saw himself being a part of Amorim’s squad.
The Englishman’s vision was correct, as after leaving Arsenal in February, the defender has gone on to become a part of United’s first team.
Over the 2024/25 season, Heaven made six appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, three of which came from starts.
It’s fair to say that the centre-back hasn’t looked back since making the move, living out his dream of playing first team football and getting to call Old Trafford home.
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