Manchester United’s pursuit of Champions League football remains on track after a narrow 1-0 win over Everton, but despite the results, the performances under Michael Carrick have begun to look “stodgy.”
With a clash against Crystal Palace looming, all eyes are on the midfield. While Casemiro has been a resurgent force this season, his display at Goodison Park suggested that the 34-year-old—who is set to leave Old Trafford this summer—might finally need a rest.
The Casemiro Problem: Fatigue or Decline?
Against Everton, Casemiro’s stats painted a worrying picture for a player tasked with anchoring the midfield. Despite 105 touches, the Brazilian was unusually wasteful:
- Possession Lost: 20 times.
- Pass Accuracy: 79% (compared to Kobbie Mainoo’s 96%).
- Defensive Vulnerability: Dribbled past 3 times and won only 3 of 10 aerial duels.
With Palace’s Adam Wharton a player who “haunted” Casemiro in their last meeting—waiting in the wings, Carrick may opt for a “wildcard” change to maintain United’s physical intensity.
Enter Ayden Heaven: The ‘Pogba-esque’ Wildcard
With Mason Mount sidelined and Manuel Ugarte out of favour, Carrick’s best internal solution could be 19-year-old Ayden Heaven. Signed from Arsenal for just £1m in 2025, Heaven is primarily seen as a centre-back, but his roots tell a different story.
During his time in the Arsenal academy, Heaven was a specialist midfielder. Analyst Ben Mattinson previously insisted that Heaven “is a midfielder, not a centre-back,” citing his “Paul Pogba-esque swagger” and ball-carrying ability.
Why Heaven fits the “new” Man Utd role:
Stature and Power: Much like Pogba, Heaven has the height and frame to dominate duels that Casemiro struggled with on Monday.
- Ball Progression: His ability to carry the ball forward from deep a trait he’s shown as a left-sided CB—makes him an ideal partner for Mainoo.
- Tactical Flexibility: Moving Heaven into midfield allows Carrick to keep his preferred defensive trio of Yoro, Martinez, and Maguire intact.
A Turning Point for Carrick?
Michael Carrick has shown a willingness to trust youth, and after Benjamin Sesko’s impact off the bench, the manager knows he needs more dynamism in his starting XI. Giving Heaven a start in the “Casemiro role” wouldn’t just be a tactical tweak; it would be a statement of intent for United’s post-INEOS future.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
