Manchester United defeated Chelsea with a makeshift centre-half pairing featuring former Arsenal youngster Aiden Haven, who Rio Ferdinand praised after the win.
Rio Ferdinand is full of praise for his rare and impressive transfer business (Image: Michael Regan – FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)
Rio Ferdinand has been full of praise for Manchester United defender Aiden Haven, 19, who he signed from Arsenal.
A number of injuries and suspensions have left the Red Devils’ backline stretched to the point of Chelsea, with Michael Carrick calling up Heaven and Nousair Mazraoui. Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Lenny Yolo and Lisandro Martinez were all absent, but United kept a clean sheet and took the three points.
Mateus Cunha scored the winning goal at Stamford Bridge, but Haven and Mazraoui were elegant operators at the heart of the defence. Haven recently moved to Manchester from Arsenal, where he spent time as a youth player in 2025 but only made one appearance.
Ferdinand confessed that his transfer activity from his old club over the past 10 years has been disastrous, but it seems he has definitely succeeded in making a deal with Haven, which is full of potential.
He said on social media: “Manchester United’s recruitment has been tough over the last 10 years, and that’s no surprise. But we have to give a shout out to Aiden Haven – £1m! There’s still a lot to learn, but he’s been called upon again and he’s delivered!”
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Carrick’s impressive command continued as United strengthened their position in third place. It was an impressive response after being shocked by Leeds on Monday. The Red Devils manager praised the two centre-halves who have been tasked with stepping up.
“I thought the additions of Aiden Haven and Nousair Mazraoui were great. Aiden is still young and Nousair hasn’t played much as a back-four centre-back. I have to give a lot of credit to the coaching staff for getting the players ready for that. I think the players put in a great performance tonight.”
Aiden Haven had a solid performance Saturday night.
Haven has made 16 appearances in all competitions for United this season. Arsenal already boast one of the best backlines in Europe and it is unlikely that he will enjoy as much time at the Emirates. The combination of Gabriel and William Saliba will be nearly impossible to eliminate, and backups will have to wait several minutes.
The teenager has continued to step up every chance he gets in Manchester. He is not the only young player to move from the Emirates to Old Trafford recently, with striker Chido Obi-Martin also making the move.
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