Former England striker Michael Owen has delivered a scathing assessment of young Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven, branding his defending "lackadaisical" after a costly error in the Red Devils' 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
Heaven's Costly Mistake at Elland Road
The Premier League clash at Elland Road on January 4, 2026, saw Brenden Aaronson open the scoring for Leeds after capitalising on a defensive lapse. Despite an impressive first-half display, 19-year-old Heaven was caught out, allowing Aaronson to cut across him and slot past goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
United's equaliser came just three minutes later through substitute Joshua Zirkzee, who set up Matheus Cunha to score. However, the damage was done, and Ruben Amorim's side were forced to settle for a point, extending their poor run to just one win in their last five league matches.
Analysing the goal for Premier League Productions, Owen praised Aaronson's "textbook" finish but was critical of Heaven's reaction. "I just wonder with Heaven, he reacted quite slowly and didn't get into his stride quick enough," Owen said. "He's miles ahead his man... I just think those first three or four yards I think he's a bit lackadaisical."
Amorim's Explosive Post-Match Comments
The fallout from the match was dominated not just by the result, but by manager Ruben Amorim's extraordinary post-match press conference. The Portuguese coach insisted he wanted to be the "manager, not the coach" and suggested he would leave the club when his contract expires in 18 months if not given more control, hinting he may even depart sooner.
Amorim has repeatedly expressed frustration at the club's planned lack of activity in the January transfer window, a stance Owen sympathises with. "I think there's more to it than people are aware," Owen added. "I think there are some in-house fighting potentially... He certainly thinks he needs more (players) and I would suggest they do need more."
Match Ratings and Key Takeaways
The draw highlighted ongoing issues for United. Matheus Cunha's equaliser was only his fourth of the season, underlining the team's reliance on absent stars like Bruno Fernandes. Amorim's tactical decision to deploy left wing-back Patrick Dorgu as a right-sided No.10 was seen as a statement of his limited attacking options.
For Leeds, Dominic Calvert-Lewin continued his fine form since joining on a free transfer, hitting the post with a first-half header.
Manchester United ratings: Lammens 6, Yoro 5, Heaven 6, Martinez 6, Dalot 5, Casemiro 7, Ugarte 5, Shaw 6, Dorgu 6, Cunha 7, Sesko 4. Sub: Zirkzee 6.
Leeds United ratings: Perri 6, Bornauw 6, Bijol 7, Struijk 8, Justin 7, Aaronson 7, Gruev 6, Stach 7, Gudmundsson 7, Calvert-Lewin 7, Okafor 7.
United's attention now turns to a midweek trip to face Burnley as they desperately seek a return to winning ways.
