With Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire struggling with injury, Heaven has grabbed his chance impressively over the past month.
Ahead of tonight's clash with Wolves, Heaven told United Review: "I’ve enjoyed it.
“I've done well, I think, with the chances I've had, and, yeah, I just want to take it into the next year and continue developing.
“It motivates me in a way, like I said, to keep developing and to know I’m capable of playing games like that. It just motivates me.
“I was surprised at how quick I got my chances when I first joined, but I was ready, so hopefully I can get more in the new year.”
On working with manager Ruben Amorim, Heaven says he's grateful for the chance given him this season.
“He’s a brilliant manager,” he explained. “He’s always reassuring me and helping me improve. He’s a great guy as well off the pitch, and I’m going to love to continue working with him.
“It helps a lot to know that the manager cares about you and that he takes his time to come and speak to you. It’s good.”