MANCHESTER, UK – Newly appointed Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has reportedly identified his primary transfer target: Middlesbrough’s rising star, Hayden Hackney.
According to Caught Offside, the Red Devils are weighing up a move for the 23-year-old midfielder following a direct request from Carrick. The former United legend, who officially took the reins at Old Trafford earlier this week, knows Hackney intimately from their time together at Riverside Stadium.
A Tactical “Trump Card”
Carrick’s arrival at Manchester United is expected to signal a shift in tactics. Having utilized a 4-2-3-1 system during his successful spell at Middlesbrough, Carrick views Hackney as the ideal engine to implement his vision in the Premier League.
During his tenure with “Boro”, Carrick transformed Hackney into a pivotal figure. The young Englishman has maintained that form into the current Championship campaign, recording nine direct goal involvements a tally that has caught the eye of several top-flight scouts.
The Battle for Hackney’s Signature
United are not the only suitors in the race for the “outstanding” midfielder. TEAMtalk reports that both Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are closely monitoring the situation. Spurs, in particular, are rumored to be considering a £30m bid to bolster their midfield options under Thomas Frank.
However, Middlesbrough are in no rush to sell. Under new boss Kim Hellberg, Boro currently sit second in the Championship and view Hackney as vital to their promotion hopes. Sources suggest the club has slapped a £30 million price tag on their academy graduate, a fee that would represent a club-record sale.
Financial Viability
For Manchester United, Hackney represents a financially viable alternative to more expensive overseas targets. With the club focused on smart recruitment under the new INEOS-led sporting structure, a reunion between Carrick and his former protégé could be the first major move of the January window.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
