Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has a major dilemma to solve after this international break.
Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui have suffered injuries while representing their respective countries this week, leaving Carrick with fresh concerns at left-back.
Both players have stepped in at left-back to provide cover for Luke Shaw.
Shaw is currently fit, but his injury record means United cannot afford to rely solely on the England international throughout a busy schedule.
Harry Amass is another natural left-back within the squad, but he is yet to establish himself as a regular first-team option.
Carrick cannot simply expect Shaw to play twice every week and risk losing him to another injury.
The United head coach may now have to think outside the box and find an innovative solution to his growing left-back problem.
We believe Ayden Heaven has the attributes to temporarily fill the role if Carrick decides to explore an unconventional option.
Heaven is primarily a centre-back, but his technical ability gives him the tools to operate on the left side of the defence.
The 20-year-old possesses an impressive left foot and has shown that he can play incisive passes through the lines.
He has also demonstrated his ability to carry the ball forward, which could make him an intriguing option at left-back.
Leny Yoro has already been used at right-back on several occasions this season, showing that Carrick is willing to adapt his defenders when necessary.
Heaven could now be handed a similar tactical role and asked to provide cover for Shaw on the opposite flank.
The 20-year-old could struggle to secure regular minutes in his preferred centre-back position given the competition ahead of him.
Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro are ahead of him in the pecking order.
The imminent injury return of Matthijs de Ligt would add even greater competition and could push Heaven further down the pecking order.
That could make a temporary role at left-back a valuable opportunity for Heaven to force his way into Carrick’s plans.
Heaven must now make the most of any opportunity that comes his way and prove that he can provide a reliable solution on the left.
Stats from Fotmob.com
