Ayden Heaven has handed Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim a much-needed injury boost with his foot problem not as bad as first feared.

The teenager was stricken in United’s comprehensive 3-0 win over Leicester City prior to the international break – another encouraging performance that saw Bruno Fernandes dominate in midfield and both Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho get on the scoresheet.

The sour note for United was Heaven’s departure from the game early in the second half. The 18-year-old was stretchered off after picking up a foot injury and further concern was raised post-match when he was spotted walking through the journalists mixed zone wearing a protective boot.

However, the Manchester Evening News report that Heaven is now out of that protective boot and is expected to resume training after the conclusion of the international break. He has a good chance of being involved against Nottingham Forest on April 1 as a result – the next time the Red Devils are in Premier League action.

Heaven’s breakthrough into Ruben Amorim’s first team was enforced, due to injuries to Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans, but he’s taken his opportunity well, looking comfortable despite his tender years.

It’s an early encouraging sign for United, who are likely to continue investing in young players that complement Ruben Amorim’s footballing philosophy and can be improved by coaching on the training ground.

January signing Patrick Dorgu has looked good, plugging the gap at left wing-back, and links to Geovany Quenda – who is now heading to Premier League rivals Chelsea – suggest Amorim wants to continue recruiting in a similar vein.

Heaven is a new arrival at United having decided to leave Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal, like fellow youngster Chido Obi. He signed a four-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further 12 months, and made his league debut, ironically, against Arsenal on March 9 after replacing Yoro.

His first start came in United’s Europa League round of 16 trip to Real Sociedad – a tie United eventually dominated to win 5-2 on aggregate.