In a dramatic Premier League encounter that kept supporters on the edge of their seats, Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers has opened up about the Manchester United player who impressed him most during the match and it was not goal scorer Matheus Cunha.
Despite Rogers himself grabbing a brace and playing a decisive role for Villa, he admitted that one United player stood out above the rest and was unfortunate to end the night on the losing side.
Speaking after the game, Rogers revealed that United youngster Ayden Heaven was the player who truly caught his attention with a commanding and energetic display that exceeded expectations.
According to the Villa forward, Heaven’s influence on the game was impossible to ignore, even in a match where United ultimately fell short.
“Although I scored twice, there was one United player who was an absolute beast on the pitch,” Rogers said. “He really shocked me with how he played.
He gave everything, controlled the game at times, and was unlucky not to be on the winning side.”
From the opening minutes, Heaven played with a maturity that belied his age, showing confidence on the ball and a willingness to take responsibility in high-pressure situations.
Rogers highlighted how the midfielder constantly disrupted Villa’s rhythm, pressing aggressively, covering ground tirelessly, and offering United a sense of balance when the game threatened to slip away.
“He was everywhere,” Rogers continued. “You’d see him breaking up play one minute, then driving forward or linking passes the next. That kind of energy changes games, and you could see how much he meant to their team.”
While Cunha attracted headlines for his attacking contributions, Rogers made it clear that Heaven’s overall impact left the stronger impression.
The Villa forward explained that facing a player with Heaven’s intensity forced Villa to stay alert throughout the contest, particularly in midfield battles where control often determines the outcome.
“He didn’t give us a second to breathe,” Rogers noted. “Even when we were on top, he kept pushing, kept organizing, and kept fighting. That’s the sort of player every team needs, especially in big matches.”
Rogers also praised Heaven’s composure, pointing out that the young United player rarely looked rushed or overwhelmed, despite the pace and physicality of the Premier League.
His ability to read the game, position himself intelligently, and make simple but effective decisions stood out against seasoned professionals.
“What impressed me most was his mindset,” Rogers added. “He played like someone who belongs at this level. No fear, no hiding — just pure confidence and commitment.”
The Villa forward concluded by acknowledging that performances like Heaven’s often go unnoticed when results don’t go your way, but insisted credit was due regardless of the scoreline.
“Sometimes football isn’t fair,” Rogers said. “He did enough to be on the winning side, but that’s how the game goes. If he keeps playing like that, he’ll have a big future.”
Rogers’ comments underline the respect players have for one another at the top level and shine a spotlight on a rising Manchester United talent whose performance earned admiration from the opposition — even on a difficult night for his team.
