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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Michael Jones

Worrying Ayden Heaven injury dampens Manchester United win over Leicester

Ruben Amorim says it is ‘hard to understand’ the extent of Ayden Heaven’s injury after the 18-year-old centre back was stretchered off the pitch during Manchester United’s Premier League win over Leicester City.

Early on in the second half, Heaven lunged to clear a squared pass into the penalty area from Jamie Vardy and collided with Patson Daka near the far post.

The ball went out of play as the two players dropped to ground with Heaven clutching his left leg and signalling immediately to the bench. Victor Lindelof also called for the physios as the teenager stayed on the ground and looked in serious pain. The medical staff brought on a stretcher and Heaven was taken down the tunnel for treatment.

"It's hard to understand because when he was on the ground he could not speak," Amorim told a press conference after the game. "He's so young, its hard to understand what he's feeling. We'll see next week."

As of yet there has been no update on the extent of the injury which seemed serious in the immediate aftermath and caused a lengthy stoppage in the game.

Daka, who collided with Heaven during the 50/50 challenge, was unhurt and continued to play.

Heaven was awarded his first Premier League start versus the Foxes and played well until the injury being a commanding presence in a back line devoid of first choice talent.

The teenager joins a growing list of defensive injuries for Man Utd with Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, and Jonny Evans also on the sidelines.

Amorim’s side had taken a 1-0 lead after Rasmus Hojlund scored in the first half. Bruno Fernandes threaded a pass in behind the defence and the Norwegian striker slotted his effort into the far bottom corner.

Alejandro Garnacho then had a goal disallowed after straying slightly offside which gave Leicester some confidence that they could end a long run of defeats.

Garnacho then added a second before Fernandes finished off a late third to secure a 3-0 victory and all three points for Amorim’s side.

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