Meet Ayden Heaven and his agent mum, Lisa – ‘I had a lot of setbacks, but it helped me as a person to this day’

Ayden Heaven and his mother, Lisa, reflected on his rapid ascent at Manchester United, specifically recalling his Premier League debut against Arsenal on March 9. This came just over a month after he left Arsenal, where he had made only one senior appearance.

Heaven expressed confidence about facing his former Arsenal teammates, stating he knew their attributes well from daily training sessions. He described the experience as surreal and one of his best moments, highlighting his calm demeanor during the match.

In contrast, Lisa was highly nervous while watching from the stands at Old Trafford with 11 colleagues and clients from her Essex beauty salon. She noted their long-term support, sharing how they witnessed her juggle work and his football commitments, including driving to tournaments. Initially, she doubted he would play, deeming it premature for a second-year scholar, but was stunned when he warmed up extensively and came on.

Heaven, aged 18, entered the game at half-time, replacing the injured Leny Yoro. His performance was praised as accomplished, especially given his youth and the fact that this was only his third senior appearance—he had played briefly for Arsenal in the League Cup and for United in an FA Cup tie the previous week.

When asked if performing in front of his mother and her friends added pressure, Heaven laughed it off, pointing out the 75,000-strong crowd. Lisa countered by sharing her own past anxiety during athletic events when her father watched, but Heaven indicated he didn't feel similarly pressured.

The pair share a strong, loving bond, reinforced by Lisa's role as his FIFA-licensed agent. She explained that she took on this responsibility after recognizing his football obsession from age three, feeling she alone could ensure he reached his full potential. She emphasized her deep understanding of his dedication and dissatisfaction with other agents' pitches, who failed to grasp his challenges or career pathway.