'Watching the replay...' - Ex-refs chief analyses Ayden Heaven 'red-card' controversy in Man United-PSG

Ayden Heaven requires a word in his ear from Michael Carrick after avoiding a red card in Manchester United's friendly against PSG.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the 19-year-old was fortunate not to be given his marching orders.

Against the Champions League winners on Saturday, 8 August, Carrick's side earned a 1-1 draw, no thanks to an opener from Ibrahim Mbaye in the opening two minutes.

Just 14 minutes later, matters could have gotten very difficult for the Red Devils, with Heaven being cautioned for a late challenge on Kvicha Kvaratshkelia.

Man United kept all 11 players on the pitch, allowing Bryan Mbeumo to score the equaliser in the 32nd minute, but the Premier League giants can count themselves lucky.

Likely as a pre-planned move away, Heaven was replaced by Leny Yoro at half-time, avoiding any further disasters in the pre-season friendly.

Ayden Heaven sent off vs PSG with VAR

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett was certain that Heaven should have seen red for his challenge, with the referee unable to make the decision without VAR.

"That's a red card. There are no ifs and buts. I think the referee's been very lenient. He's probably not got a good view of it," he said.

"There's no VAR because it's a friendly game. This is where VAR comes in and clarifies those situations. The referee's only got one view. He's acted on what he's seen.

"What we see on the video replay is that this is a red-card offence. The manager should have a word in that player's ear to say, 'If you do that in the Premier League, you're off'.

"This player has come in at pace, excessive, out of control, swipes at the player with a kick. That's not a slide and a straight leg; that's the action of a pendulum with force. Red card."

How did Man United fans react to the challenge?

Man United fans are just as furious with the 19-year-old gem, who far too often has picked up silly cautions and put his team in danger.

While this game was nothing more than a pre-season friendly, the challenge won't have helped boost fans' confidence in him ahead of the new campaign.