‘Sky’s the limit’ – Ayden Heaven talks up England hopes and could benefit from Man Utd mentor Harry Maguire’s misfortune

MANCHESTER UNITED star Ayden Heaven insists “the sky is the limit” this season as he targets a dream England call-up. And the Old Trafford teenager could be ready to carry the torch, just as mentor Harry Maguire’s proud Three Lions career likely enters its final chapter. Ayden Heaven insists “the sky is the limit” this season as he targets a dream England call-up Credit: Getty United vice captain Harry Maguire has been a mentor to Heaven Credit: Getty The 19-year-old centre half is targeting a major breakout year under Michael Carrick after waiting in the wings last term. While Maguire has not retired from England duty, missing out on the 2026 World Cup squad at 33 suggests a natural transition is underway for the Three Lions—one Heaven has his eyes on. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! When asked about pushing to be part of England’s Under-21s Euros title defence next summer, Heaven skipped a step to aim straight for the top. He said: “I could push further than that. Maybe try and get into England, the main men’s team. The sky‘s the limit. “I’ve just got to keep working hard every day. Harry has helped a lot, he has 20 years of experience. “He’s always telling me to be vocal so I’m always ready when I get the opportunity to play.” At this stage of his career, Heaven has only reached England Under-20 level. He started 11 Premier League games last season, often when one of Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt or Harry Maguire were unavailable through injury or suspensions. Most read in Sport Ayden Heaven is eyeing a dream England call up from Thomas Tuchel Credit: Getty BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Heaven said: “I’m young and I’ve got to be patient, especially in my position. You don’t see a lot of 19-year-olds playing week in, week out. “I know it’s nothing personal and I’ve just got to be patient. I’m waiting for my opportunity.” It’s almost certain Heaven will not be called up by Thomas Tuchel in the next September international break, but this season should be a banner with more games back in the schedule. The teen is pushing to start alongside Maguire in United’s opening day clash against Hull City on August 22, having been the starting duo so far in pre-season. With Lisandro Martinez forced off injured during the World Cup final and Matthijs de Ligt recovering from back surgery, the door has opened for the young centre-back. Heaven’s main rival for a spot is Frenchman Leny Yoro, who is just a year older. But with United’s World Cup stars still on break, Yoro has been deployed at right-back in their opening two pre-season friendlies against Wrexham and Rosenborg. Heaven said: “We’re both young. We work hard every day in training together and we are close friends off the pitch.” The Londoner earned high praise after filling the void left during crucial wins against Chelsea, Brentford, and Liverpool as United racked up three wins on the bounce to help secure Champions League football. He added: “To hear the manager’s praise as an extra boost that he’s given up. He played a big part for this club when he played.” Heaven, under contract until 2029, was former boss Ruben Amorim’s second signing, snapped up from Arsenal’s academy by Ineos for £1.25m. Amorim liked Heaven’s game, but managed his minutes carefully, singling him out for applause after United’s 4-1 win over Wolves in December. That came one match after he was substituted for Yoro at half-time after a challenging opening 45 minutes against West Ham. Comment now