Manchester United are interested in a midfielder who has already played under Michael Carrick. Strong competition is expected in this race.
During the next summer transfer window, Manchester United will look to sign at least one midfielder to strengthen their engine room. The objective will surely be to find the ideal partner for Kobbie Mainoo, who has established himself in recent weeks as an important starter, and perhaps to prepare for Bruno Fernandes' succession with a more offensive and creative profile.
The Red Devils have explored numerous options in recent months, including Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba, but another lesser-known name also keeps cropping up. Indeed, Manchester United were reported to be in pole position for a Championship midfielder last October in the shape of Hayden Hackney.
Hackney and Carrick reunion at Manchester United?
The 23-year-old is considered the star of Middlesbrough. This winter, no move materialised as the English second-tier side did not want to hear about a departure for their key man, given they are currently 2nd and pushing for promotion to the Premier League during this second half of the season.
As such, the Red Devils did not make a move, but continue to monitor Hayden Hackney for the next summer transfer window, according to TeamTalk. The Manchester club consider the English midfielder capable of being a regular starter in the Premier League, as he is enjoying an exceptional Championship season with 32 matches played, all as a starter, contributing 4 goals and 6 assists.
Hackney is a versatile midfielder who has occupied the number 6 role, central midfield and the number 10 position with Middlesbrough this season. Valued at £21.2m (€25m) by Transfermarkt, he appears ready to shake up the next summer transfer window. This case is quite intriguing for Manchester United since Michael Carrick, current interim manager of the Red Devils, coached the former England U21 international from October 2022 to June 2025 at Boro.
Liverpool and Tottenham also interested in Hayden Hackney
The two men could potentially reunite if Manchester United complete the signing of the young midfielder next summer and decide to make the 44-year-old's contract permanent, given he has been delivering good results since his appointment. It should be noted that strong competition is expected in the Hayden Hackney case.
TeamTalk notably report that Liverpool, Leeds, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest have been linked with the Middlesbrough star in recent weeks and could therefore be interested in signing him next summer. The English second-tier side should not be ruled out of the equation either, as in the event of promotion to the Premier League, they would have additional arguments to keep their player.
