Heaven encourages Man United to keep European aspirations alive

Ayden Heaven is convinced that Manchester United can secure a spot back in European competition after their convincing 4-1 triumph over Wolves on Monday.

The win at Molineux positioned Ruben Amorim's squad only one point adrift of the Premier League's top four spots, keeping them in contention for next season's Champions League qualification.

Following a frustrating draw against struggling West Ham the previous week, United bounced back with two goals from Bruno Fernandes, plus strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount, after Jean-Ricner Bellegarde had levelled the score for the league's bottom club, marking their first Premier League goal since 26 October.

Finishing 15th in the 2024/25 season marked United's worst top-flight position in 51 years, compounded by a Europa League final defeat to fellow English side Tottenham, which cost them continental involvement.

Nevertheless, the absence from European fixtures might aid the club's reconstruction under the Portuguese coach Amorim. Young United defender Heaven commented: We let points slip in our previous match (against West Ham at home) and this was our opportunity to make amends and collect more points. We achieved that, particularly after the break.

We realised that allowing a goal was unacceptable. At half time, he (Amorim) simply instructed us to stick to our strengths, and we followed through as evident on the pitch.

United's only setback in their recent nine outings was a shock 1-0 home defeat to 10-man Everton at Old Trafford, but an upbeat Heaven declared post Wolves: When we perform at this level, nothing can halt our progress.

Regarding the chance of European action, the 19-year-old stated: With any luck, we will qualify for Europe next year, which I am confident we shall.

Naturally, that is Manchester United's rightful place.

Heaven shared these thoughts following his second consecutive start for the team, stepping in for injured centre-backs Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt. Amorim kept the promising talent in the backline after the 1-1 stalemate with West Ham.

On the subject of Amorim, Heaven noted: He has placed considerable faith in me. I am putting in maximum effort daily during sessions and proving in matches that he can rely on me.

Manchester United face Bournemouth at home on Monday next.