Carrick Eyes Championship Midfielder

Manchester United has reportedly joined the race for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney this summer. Under the guidance of newly appointed permanent manager Michael Carrick, the Red Devils are expected to be highly active in the transfer market. With Casemiro's contract expiring and growing uncertainty surrounding Manuel Ugarte's future, the club is prioritizing midfield reinforcements, and Hackney is among the targets identified by the young manager, according to the "Northern Echo."

Numerous sources suggest that Manchester United is close to finalizing a deal for Atalanta star Ederson, who has already agreed to personal terms for a £38 million move to Old Trafford. Additionally, the club has been linked with several other European midfielders. Therefore, Hackney's emergence as an option for the Red Devils comes as somewhat of a surprise.

Reports indicate that Carrick is the primary driving force behind the pursuit of Hackney, who appears set to leave Middlesbrough this summer following their Championship playoff disappointment. Boros' manager, Kim Hellberg, recently acknowledged that the 23-year-old, who was named Championship Player of the Season, "will one day end up in the Premier League."

Hackney is soon to enter the final year of his contract at the Riverside Stadium, and Middlesbrough is expected to capitalize on the opportunity to sell him this summer, with his valuation estimated at £25 million. Crystal Palace and Tottenham are reportedly preparing official bids for him, while Everton has also been linked with the England youth international. However, it increasingly appears that Manchester United could beat the competition for Hackney, who worked under Carrick during his tenure at Middlesbrough between 2022 and 2025.

The 23-year-old midfielder joined Middlesbrough's academy at U10 level and progressed through all the club's youth ranks before making his professional debut in January 2021. Since then, he has made a total of 154 first-team appearances across all competitions, registering 5 goals and 8 assists in 38 Championship matches this season, playing as a defensive midfielder.

Should Boro receive an offer of £25 million or more, it would surpass the club's record of £22.5 million, which they received from the sale of striker Emmanuel Latte Lath to Atlanta United last summer.