Carrick pushing Manchester United to sign Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney this summer

Manchester United are emerging as frontrunners to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney this summer, with head coach Michael Carrick said to be personally driving the pursuit of his former player, according to The Northern Echo.

Hackney, 23, is widely considered one of the standout players outside the Premier League and was a key figure as Middlesbrough reached the Championship play-off final, where they were beaten by Hull City last month. With Boro failing to secure promotion and Hackney entering the final year of his contract, the club are prepared to sell, and Premier League interest is intensifying.

Carrick managed Middlesbrough between October 2022 and June 2025, during which time Hackney developed into a regular starter and an influential presence in midfield. The Northern Echo report that it is looking increasingly likely United will make a formal move, with Carrick — confirmed as permanent head coach after winning 11 of his 16 games in an interim capacity — actively championing the deal.

Crystal Palace, Everton and Tottenham are also monitoring Hackney ahead of the 2026-27 season, though United’s qualification for the Champions League gives them a significant advantage over those rivals.

The potential move for Hackney forms part of a broader midfield rebuild at Old Trafford following Casemiro’s departure. Talks over a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson are already reported to be at an advanced stage, and United could sign as many as three central midfielders before the window closes.

Elliot Anderson, who has had an outstanding season for Nottingham Forest and forced his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England plans ahead of the World Cup, is another name linked with United. However, Manchester City are said to be confident of winning that particular race despite Pep Guardiola’s recent departure from the Etihad.