Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is targeting Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney as part of his summer midfield overhaul. United are expected to sign at least two central midfielders, with Atalanta’s Ederson already poised to become Carrick’s first acquisition at Old Trafford, and Hackney emerging as a potential addition.
Carrick, who previously managed Hackney at Middlesbrough, is reportedly ‘championing’ the move, though United will face competition from Everton, Crystal Palace, and Tottenham for the 23-year-old’s signature, according to The Northern Echo. Despite entering the final year of his contract, Hackney’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is currently around €27.1 million, aligning with Middlesbrough’s asking price of between €23-29 million.
The strong relationship between Carrick and Hackney could prove crucial in any potential transfer battle. Following Carrick’s departure from Middlesbrough last summer, Hackney publicly expressed his gratitude, stating he “can’t thank him enough” for the trust and development he received under the manager’s guidance.
Hackney was the standout midfielder in the Championship last season, excelling offensively according to data analytics firm SciSports. In 39 league appearances, he scored five goals and provided seven assists, operating as a dynamic box-to-box player. He averaged 14.71 ball carries per game, significantly above the Championship average of 5.0, and completed an average of 62.3 passes, compared to a league average of 28. His physical attributes, including speed and stamina, also ranked highly within the league.
While Carrick views Hackney as a player with long-term potential, the midfielder will turn 24 later this month. SciSports data suggests Hackney’s current SciSkill score of 77.1, with a potential ceiling of 93.2, may not immediately translate to regular game time at United, particularly when compared to current midfield options like Manuel Ugarte (93.0) and Casemiro (102.3). However, with only one year remaining on his contract, Hackney represents a calculated risk that could yield a significant return under Carrick’s tutelage. The move appears well-timed for Hackney, and Manchester United presents a compelling opportunity for his development.
