Manchester United are focusing on overhauling their midfield in the summer transfer window, with Michael Carrick appointed as permanent head coach.
Manchester United are the latest club to be linked with Hayden Hackney (Image: Trevor Wilkinson/NurPhoto)
Manchester United have joined the ranks of clubs to sign Hayden Hackney this summer, with Michael Carrick said to be backing a move for the Middlesbrough midfielder.
Hackney is widely regarded as one of the best players outside the Premier League and was influential in helping Boro reach the Championship play-offs, where they ultimately lost to Hull City in last month’s final. Hackney is expected to move on in the upcoming transfer window after Middlesbrough failed to achieve promotion to the top flight.
The 23-year-old has just entered the final year of his contract and Middlesbrough are ready to cash in with Premier League suitors lining up.
However, the Northern Echo reports that Manchester United will be confident of beating their rivals for Hackney’s signature if they pursue a player who excelled under Carrick during his time at Boro.
They also claim Carrick, who was recently appointed as the Red Devils’ permanent head coach, is said to be a “winner” for Hackney and it is “increasingly likely” that United will make a move for the playmaker.
Crystal Palace, Everton and Tottenham are all keen to sign Hackney for the 2026-27 season, but no club could offer Champions League football quite like Manchester United.
Michael Carrick knows Hackney well from his time at Middlesbrough (Image: Craig Thomas)
Carrick, who impressed the Old Trafford bosses by winning 11 of the 16 games he managed during his interim reign, managed Middlesbrough from October 2022 to June 2025. Hackney became a regular starter during Carrick’s premiership and developed into an influential figure.
Manchester United’s desire to overhaul their engine room this summer has been well-documented following Casemiro’s departure.
Contract negotiations with Atalanta midfielder Ederson have already taken place and are thought to be at an advanced stage. United could sign up to three midfielders this summer, giving them more financial flexibility once they qualify for the Champions League.
Elliott Anderson is another player who has been linked with Manchester United after an excellent season with Nottingham Forest, with the 24-year-old poised to play a key role for England at the World Cup after forcing his way into manager Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
However, Manchester City are confident they can land Anderson on a big-money deal despite manager Josep Guardiola’s recent departure.
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