Ayden Heaven has returned to Manchester United training after illness and is available for Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth.
Illness ruled Heaven out against Leeds and Como
The defender’s illness forced Michael Carrick to count Heaven out of the 1-1 draw at Leeds United last weekend. He had started against Atletico Madrid five days earlier.
Heaven also missed the Champions League trip to Como. United suffered a 4-1 defeat in Italy, extending their winless sequence to seven matches.
Carrick confirms return to group training
With the head coach scrambling to keep his job after the calamitous run, Heaven has been one of a host of players unavailable for selection. Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko all missed the Como game.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel, with Carrick announcing via The Evening Standard that Heaven will be available for Bournemouth’s visit to Old Trafford.
Carrick said: “Ayden is back with group, he was suffering from illness but is back around the group and then we’ll see what the next couple of days bring [for the others].”
Of the other absentees, the ones most likely to join Heaven in tomorrow’s squad are Martinez and Rashford.
Heaven’s journey from Arsenal to United’s first team
Heaven spent four years in West Ham United’s academy before joining Arsenal at the age of 13 in 2019. He progressed through the north London club’s youth system and made one senior appearance for the Gunners.
United signed the defender from Arsenal on 1 February 2025 after he rejected a professional contract at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal received more than £1 million in compensation, while Heaven agreed a deal running until June 2029 with the option of another year.
He made his United debut against Fulham in the FA Cup on 2 March 2025, followed by his first senior start against Real Sociedad 11 days later. During the 2025/26 campaign, he recorded 18 competitive appearances without scoring, including 17 in the Premier League.
A place on the bench is the most likely call for Heaven on Sunday.
Final Thoughts
- Heaven has recovered from illness and will be available for Bournemouth.
- Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford may also still have a chance of making the game.
Featured image by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
