Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has condemned Ayden Heaven’s decision-making after the young defender narrowly avoided a potential red card during the club’s disappointing Premier League defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

The incident occurred while the match remained goalless, with Heaven launching a dangerous two-footed challenge towards Bournemouth forward Evanilson. The Brazilian managed to move out of the defender’s path, avoiding contact that could have resulted in a more severe disciplinary punishment.

Referee Jarred Gillett issued Heaven a yellow card, but Neville was far from satisfied with the defender’s approach to the challenge. Speaking on Sky Sports, the former United defender questioned why the youngster had attempted such a risky tackle in the first place.

Neville pointed out that Heaven was fortunate his opponent moved away before the challenge could make contact. Although he acknowledged the defender’s age and relative inexperience, he stressed that those factors did not excuse a tackle he considered reckless and unnecessary.

The former England international reiterated that the challenge was unacceptable, arguing that Heaven had taken an avoidable risk in a situation that could easily have left Manchester United playing with ten men.

Neville also warned the youngster against repeating the mistake, emphasising that the absence of contact was the main reason the referee did not produce a red card. He expressed surprise at the nature of the tackle, comparing it to something he had not witnessed for decades.

Bournemouth quickly made the most of the resulting free-kick. Justin Kluivert delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area, allowing Rayan to finish and give the visitors the lead at Old Trafford.

The situation deteriorated further for United just five minutes later when Leny Yoro made an expensive defensive error. Adrien Truffert capitalised on the mistake before setting up Marcus Tavernier, who calmly finished into an unguarded net to double Bournemouth’s advantage.

Manchester United attempted to respond after the interval and showed some improvement in their attacking play. However, their efforts were undermined when Evanilson extended Bournemouth’s lead in the 71st minute.

The Brazilian forward went around goalkeeper Senne Lammens before producing an impressive finish from a tight angle, effectively putting the contest beyond United’s reach.

The defeat added to Manchester United’s difficult start under manager Michael Carrick. According to the report, the team had secured only two victories from their opening 12 matches of the season, increasing concerns about their performances and consistency.

United consequently slipped to 16th in the Premier League standings, leaving them just one point above the relegation zone. Bournemouth, meanwhile, moved up to 13th after recording consecutive victories.

Neville was not the only former professional to express disappointment with United’s display. Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison also criticised the performance while speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, describing the team’s showing as poor and questioning their current position among England’s leading clubs.

Manchester United must now prepare for a difficult trip to Chelsea next weekend as pressure continues to mount on Carrick. Heaven’s risky challenge, alongside the defensive errors that contributed to the defeat, has further highlighted the problems the manager must address if his side are to improve their results.