'I'm told...' - Man United lead race for midfield signing after Michael Carrick talks
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(Credit: Imago) ‘I’m told’: Man United lead race to sign Hayden Hackney after Michael Carrick talks Thu 26 February 2026 8:57, UK Man United are leading Premier League rivals in the race to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney ahead of the summer transfer window.The 23-year-old’s performances in the Championship have impressed watching scouts, including those at United, and he could be tempted to make the step up.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Michael Carrick has spoken to the recruitment team at Old Trafford about his former player.Hackney played under Carrick during the boss’ time at the Riverside Stadium, and quickly became a key part of his side, with the pair sharing a strong relationship.Should the 44-year-old remain in the dugout beyond the end of the season, he is likely to push the club to sign Hackney as part of a midfield overhaul.Credit: ImagoRead more: Everything Carrick has said about Hackney amid transfer links.Man United lead race to sign Hayden HackneyCasemiro will leave Man United at the end of the season, while speculation has persisted about the likes of Manuel Ugarte as they aim to revamp their midfield. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES While a number of big-name targets including Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton are on the Red Devils’ radar, Hackney has now emerged as a major contender.“Hayden Hackney is somebody Man United have discussed,” Brown told Football Insider.“Michael Carrick knows him well, and he knows Michael Carrick, so I have no doubt the question will have been asked by the recruitment team at some stage.“I’m told he is somebody the manager likes and would like to work with again if the opportunity came up, in a position where United want to strengthen.“I think they’re going to bring in a midfielder and probably more than one because Casemiro is leaving and he might not be the only one.Credit: Imago“So Hackney would fit that bill.
He’s a talented young player who has impressed in the Championship and a lot of clubs are having a look at him.“But if United make a move and Carrick is still the manager next season, it gives them a real advantage because of the relationship that is already there.”Read more: This is Man United’s four-man midfielder shortlist.Who else wants to sign Hackney this summer?United are far from the only clubs keeping tabs on Hackney’s progress at Middlesbrough, with a number of Premier League clubs sending scouts to watch him.Football Insider revealed on 20 February that Fulham and Leeds both want Hackney and are the latest clubs to join the ever-growing race for his signature.Everton, West Ham and Crystal Palace are among the other clubs linked with a move for the midfielder who has emerged as one of the best players in the Championship.Credit: ImagoHowever, all of the interested clubs could be set to miss out on the midfielder if Middlesbrough gain promotion to the Premier League come the end of the season.Football Insider revealed on 21 February that Middlesbrough will only accept offers for Hackney if they fail in their promotion bid, where they currently sit second.For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.