Leny Yoro warming up just 19 minutes into the first half raised plenty of eyebrows at Old Trafford — but the reason is now clear. Ayden Heaven, making his first Premier League start of the season, has endured a shaky opening spell and was booked early for a clumsy challenge, forcing Ruben Amorim to consider an immediate tactical adjustment.
Heaven’s nervous start
West Ham targeted Heaven from the first whistle:
-
He was turned too easily by Wilson on halfway within minutes.
-
Jarrod Bowen dragged him out of position twice, exploiting his inexperience in the central role of United’s back three.
-
His yellow card — with over 80 minutes left to play — put United at risk defensively.
With Heaven now walking a tightrope, Amorim wasted no time sending Leny Yoro to warm up as a precaution, signalling that a substitution could happen sooner rather than later if the pressure continues.
A huge responsibility for Heaven
Despite his talent and composure, this is the toughest assignment Heaven has faced so far. West Ham’s physical forward line clearly planned to test him.
Yoro warming up this early is not an injury issue — it’s purely a tactical safeguard to protect United from going a man down or losing defensive structure.
More updates to follow as the situation unfolds at Old Trafford.
