Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven has decided against switching international allegiance from England to Ghana, ruling out the possibility of featuring for the Black Stars at next summer’s World Cup.
The 19 year old, who was born in London and qualifies to play for Ghana through a grandparent, has been closely monitored by the Ghana Football Association.
Ghana are scheduled to face England in the group stage of the tournament, alongside Croatia and Panama, at the finals to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Sources have told BBC Sport that Heaven is intent on representing England at senior level. He has already featured for England across multiple age group sides and remains committed to that pathway despite interest from Ghana.
Heaven joined Manchester United from Arsenal in February after making a single senior appearance for the Gunners. His early months at Old Trafford have been interrupted by injury and adaptation, but recent performances suggest a player growing rapidly into top level football.
An ankle injury sustained while playing for England Under 20s against Switzerland in October ruled him out of November’s fixture against Japan. Since returning, however, Heaven has established himself in United’s first team picture.
He made two substitute appearances in the Premier League before earning a start against West Ham on 4 December in a three man defence. Although he was booked early and substituted at half time, his response has been impressive. Heaven has started each of United’s four subsequent matches and shown clear improvement with every outing.
He delivered a composed display in the 2 1 defeat at Aston Villa on 21 December and was named man of the match in Friday’s 1 0 victory over Newcastle, only United’s second clean sheet of the season.
United manager Ruben Amorim praised the teenager’s development, saying Heaven is improving every game and showing maturity beyond his years. For England, the message from Heaven is equally clear. His future, at least for now, remains firmly in white.
