English-Ghanaian defender Ayden Heaven has been named Manchester United’s Player of the Month for December after a series of mature and commanding performances at the heart of the defence.
The 19-year-old seized his chance during an injury crisis, stepping in for Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt in what was one of the most demanding stretches of United’s season.
Despite his limited first-team experience, Heaven looked assured from the start. He featured against West Ham and Wolves before stringing together four strong displays to close out the month.
His standout performance came in the Boxing Day win over Newcastle United, where he helped secure only United’s second clean sheet of the campaign, making eight clearances and completing 34 of 36 passes alongside Lisandro Martínez.
Heaven also impressed in the draw with Wolves, winning all six of his ground duels and playing a key role in the build-up, including the tackle and pass that led to Joshua Zirkzee’s opener.
In the fan vote, goalkeeper Senne Lammens finished second and forward Matheus Cunha took third, underlining just how much Heaven’s emergence has resonated with supporters.
