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Hayden Hackney would be foolish to pick Man United, Everton are the correct choice

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The Red Devils have reportedly entered the race for the 23-year-old, who will almost certainly leave Middlesbrough this summer after they missed out on promotion.The England youth international enjoyed a brilliant season in the Championship and was named EFL Player of the Season in April.Hackney was injured in March and missed the remainder of the season, with Middlesbrough’s season falling apart without him. Everton transfer chiefs would have been pleased to see him briefly return off the bench in the play-off final, before Hull City and Oli McBurnie broke Boro hearts at Wembley Stadium. 💸 Everton Transfer News 💸 Get the latest recruitment inside track from the Hill Dickinson Stadium: exclusive updates on the pursuit of Liam Delap, the Friedkin Group’s summer budget, and Jack Grealish’s permanent future.



VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Everton should be Hayden Hackney’s choiceFootball Insider exclusively revealed last month that Hackney’s departure is almost inevitable this summer, after Middlesbrough missed out on promotion.Everton and Man United will be among the most interested clubs, but certainly not alone, with the 23-year-old’s future a hot topic this summer.Hayden HackneyStats – Championship 2025-26Appearances38Goals5Assists7Chances created83Successful dribbles54Fouls won49Tackles68Recoveries205Duels won186Hackney is excellent on the ball and superb in the duel, well and truly representing the definition of the all-action midfielder.With a move to Man United, there is the obvious attraction of a reunion with Michael Carrick. Casemiro has left, but there are strong links to Mateus Fernandes, Ederson looks set to join from Atalanta in the coming days, and Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo do not look to be going anywhere.While Man United will have more games next season, Hackney will be forced to spend the campaign waiting on the bench for his opportunities. 🔴 There's a lengthening list of teams interested in #Boro's Hayden Hackney this summer – and Michael Carrick wants to make sure #MUFC are right at the front of the queue…Read here…⬇️https://t.co/lcXfYxY7uy— Scott Wilson (@Scottwilsonecho) June 1, 2026 At Everton, on the other hand, the midfielder will have access to an experienced and brilliant mind in David Moyes, while 36-year-old Idrissa Gana Gueye would be the established option ahead of him.

Everton’s midfield situation assessedJames Garner is the rock in Everton’s midfield and should not be going anywhere this summer, despite some interest growing.The real question is about his partner, who is currently Gueye. It would appear that there is a perfect opportunity for Hackney to slide right into that position, should he decide to. 🔵 Everton FC Master Hub 🔵 The definitive digital directory for the Toffees.