Ayden Heaven's move to Manchester United in the January 2024 transfer window from Arsenal has been nothing short of a hit. The centre-back arrived alongside Patrick Dorgu as two young, exciting, long-term signings.

Heaven quickly impressed and was one of the shining lights in a struggling Ruben Amorim side. Since the arrival of Michael Carrick, the teenager saw limited minutes as Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez cemented their places as the starting centre-back partnership.

The youngster's chance did come as he got his first start under Carrick against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. A fixture with which United have a troubled past, but Heaven was elite, helping United keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory.

However, with United qualifying for next season's Champions League, there was a chance that Heaven could have been left out of Michael Carrick's UCL squad. Roundtable reported that United's pursuit of Karl Darlow could exile Heaven from United's Champions League squad list.

Manchester United were reportedly eyeing up Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow as a new no.2, with Andre Onana set for another loan spell with Trabzonspor, and Altay Bayindir looking likely to be sold after three tough seasons in England.

However, The Leeds Press have reported that the 35-year-old is set to sign a new contract, seeing him stay at Elland Road rather than making the move to Old Trafford.

This means that Heaven is now likely to make it into United's 25-man squad list as he is not 'nurtured' at Manchester United. Despite still being a teenager, Heaven would be listed as one of United's 17 players who have been 'nurtured' at another club. 

This is a huge boost for Heaven as his performances were an essential piece of Michael Carrick's push for Champions League football. Being left out of the squad list would be an unfair punishment after only exceeding expectations in a United shirt.

Transfermarkt reports that Heaven's market value has increased from £1.3m to £26m since his arrival back in January 2024.

Despite Darlow being set to stay at Elland Road, United could still sign a new goalkeeper this summer.

Names such as Sam Johnstone have appeared in conversation about United's new back-up goalkeeper. The 33-year-old would be considered a 'homegrown' player due to the fact that he came through United's academy.

Radek Vitek is another option after he impressed on loan for Bristol City last season. However, an exit for the young goalkeeper could be on the cards as he looks for more first-team minutes. It is currently unclear whether he will leave on loan or on a permanent deal.

Heaven would undoubtably be a key aspect of United's Champions League push, with the youngster providing great strength in depth to the backline, and he is more than capable of holding his own in a United shirt.

Quality in squad depth will be crucial if United wish to push across all four competitions next season, and Heaven will likely play a crucial role in Carrick's plans.