Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has voiced strong confidence in 19-year-old defender Ayden Heaven for tonight's Premier League match at Chelsea. With experienced centre-backs Harry Maguire and Leandro Martinez suspended, Heaven will pair with 20-year-old Leny Yoro in defense. The fixture carries high stakes for United's push toward a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
Manchester United face Chelsea tonight at Stamford Bridge critically short on defensive experience. Harry Maguire serves an extra suspension ban following his sending-off at Bournemouth, while Leandro Martinez is out after a red card for pulling Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair during Monday's defeat. This leaves Heaven and Yoro, who has made 29 Premier League appearances this season, as United's only available centre-halves. United sit third in the table despite the recent loss to Leeds, but a setback could allow sixth-placed Chelsea to narrow the gap to four points. Carrick praised Heaven's readiness. 'I think Ayden’s in a good place. He’s training really well, he’s learning, he’s listening, he wants to improve,' Carrick said. 'I’ve got no worries. He went away and played with England a couple of weeks ago and done well.' The 19-year-old is ahead of schedule for his age, according to the interim boss. Carrick remains frustrated with the suspensions. He described Martinez's dismissal as 'shocking' and expressed disappointment over recent refereeing decisions. 'We’ve got to move on now and that’s what we’ll do,' he added. Looking ahead, Carrick anticipates Kobbie Mainoo's fitness for the 'proper game' and emphasised United's preparation despite missing left-back Patrick Dorgu, who is rehabilitating a hamstring injury. 'It’s a tough place to go, always has been,' Carrick noted.
