Rather than immediately joining in with his squad’s post-match celebrations on Sunday, Michael Carrick took a moment to chat with Ayden Heaven.
The defender oversaw a quiet end to the campaign, having been an unused substitute for Manchester United’s final three fixtures.
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How Ayden Heaven fared towards the end of 2025/2026
You could understand Heaven, 19, potentially feeling aggrieved at his omissions, given he oversaw three standout displays in the side’s triumphant wins over Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool when Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire were suspended.
Cool, calm and composed. Ayden Heaven 👏@ManUtd pic.twitter.com/tgAjqv1VrM
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 19, 2026
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He is one player who has felt the consequences of United’s premature FA Cup and League Cup exits, as both competitions would’ve provided him more opportunities to play, as well as if European action were included in the schedule.
| Appearances | Starts | Minutes played |
| 18 | 12 | 987 |
Heaven’s record in all competitions this season (Transfermarkt)
That should all change next term, though, as United secured their Champions League qualification in matchweek 35, and will be desperate to right this season’s wrongs by advancing past the earliest stage in the cups.
Carrick chats with Heaven after Brighton omission
Manchester Evening News journalist Steven Railston spotted the moment between Heaven and Carrick at the Amex, stating that it ‘spoke volumes about the kind of coach he is’.
Michael Carrick could have lapped up the adulation from a delirious away section yesterday, but he spotted Heaven and spent around 30 seconds chatting to him. It spoke volumes about the kind of coach he is #mufc https://t.co/6pL2m4jm0L
— Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) May 25, 2026
It was confirmed last Friday that the former midfielder would indeed be managing the Reds into the new campaign, having signed a two-year contract.
The decision is one that the players themselves pushed for, so fans will be crossing their fingers that this unity and stellar form continue beyond 2025/2026.
In the meantime, supporters are also pondering who will be Carrick’s first signing of the transfer window.
