‘I want to be like Maguire, Van Dijk’ – Fearless Man United teen Ayden Heaven vows to become next big-box bully

Manchester United youngster Ayden Heaven has revealed his ambition to become a dominant goal threat from set pieces, inspired by defenders like Harry Maguire and Virgil van Dijk.

The 18-year-old centre-back, who joined United from Arsenal in February 2025, is determined to add scoring prowess to his defensive skills as he looks to cement a regular spot in Ruben Amorim’s first team.

Speaking to The Athletic ahead of the new season, Heaven emphasised the importance of belief in becoming a threat in the opposition box.

“I want to score more goals from set pieces,” the 18-year-old said.

“You see Gabriel (Arsenal) and Van Dijk, and defenders like Maguire. I want to be like them in the box, scoring goals. It’s also a mental thing. You have to believe you’re going to score,” he said.

This mindset highlights Heaven’s focus on developing into a well-rounded defender who can contribute crucial goals, especially from dead-ball situations.

After a promising debut season where he made six appearances across competitions, including his Premier League debut against Arsenal and a first start in the Europa League, Heaven is eager to build on his progress.

Since signing a long-term contract until 2029, the young defender has been integrated directly into the first-team squad, with Manchester United’s technical director Jason Wilcox praising him as an “extremely talented defender” ready to maximise his potential.

Heaven’s move from Arsenal to United marked a significant step in his career, and he is committed to continuous improvement to become a key figure in the Red Devils’ defense.