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'That was the game' - Ayden Heaven reveals 'the moment' he was convinced to join Man Utd as defender aims suble dig at Arsenal

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<p><a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/ayden-heaven-to-complete-man-utd-transfer-after-rejecting-new-contract-arsenal-red-devils-steal-another-academy-star-from-rivals-chido-obi-martin/blta9a1af872cdfc1cc" target="_blank">Heaven signed for United in January</a> after only making one senior appearance for the Gunners, 10 minutes off the bench in a Carabao Cup tie at Preston North End. And the deal was effectively sealed when he was invited to attend the Red Devils' Europa League match with Rangers. The defender has spoken about his decision and took a subtle swipe at his former club in the process.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>"That was the game that made my mind up, really, because I’ve never been to a louder stadium than that,” Heaven said in an interview with <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6479807/2025/07/10/ayden-heaven-mum-manchester-united/" target="_blank"><em>The Athletic</em></a>. "It was really noisy and the staff in the directors’ box were really kind. I saw myself playing in that team while I was watching. I felt like three at the back would suit me."
</p>

WHAT HEAVEN SAID

<p>Eintracht Frankfurt had also invited Heaven to watch a match, while Barcelona, Chelsea and Marseille also expressed interest. But United made the biggest charm offensive, with sporting director Jason Wilcox showing Heaven around the club's training ground and the player being introduced to coach Ruben Amorim, as well as to Sir Alex Ferguson.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Ayden is represented by his mother Lisa, who decided to qualify as a FIFA licensed football agent once her son started training with Mikel Arteta's side at the age of 16. </p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>The teenager has made six appearances for United and would have played more had he not <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/nightmare-blow-man-utd-ayden-heaven-stretchered-off--horror-injury-leicester-clash/bltd9327e38e8a0eca3" target="_blank">damaged ankle ligaments against Leicester </a>in March. The injury knocked him out of action for two months but he has begun pre-season training with the United squad and is now preparing for the pre-season campaign, which kicks off next Saturday July 19 against Leeds in Stockholm.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR HEAVEN?

'That was the game' - Ayden Heaven reveals 'the moment' he was convinced to join Man Utd as defender aims suble dig at Arsenal | Goal.com

Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven has revealed when he decided to leave Arsenal to join the Red Devils.

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