Middlesbrough starlet Hayden Hackney has credited Michael Carrick for helping his development as a young midfielder.
Former Manchester United midfielder and coach Michael Carrick was recently sacked as Middlesbrough manager after failing to achieve promotion to the Premier League.
It was Carrick’s first managerial role after spending a short period as United interim manager following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Carrick took over a Middlesbrough side struggling and took them to the play-off before missing out in his first season. Boro came close in the following two seasons before deciding to part ways with the former England international.
The Championship outfit have yet to find a replacement for Carrick, although former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been linked with the position.
It remains to be seen what Carrick will do next after facing the axe at Boro.
Hayden Hackney jetting off with England U21s ahead of the European Championship
Photo by Jack Thomas – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Hayden Hackney hails Michael Carrick influence at Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough ace Hayden Hackney admits it was bittersweet getting his European Championship call-up for England after Middlesbrough sacked Carrick.
Hackney not only emerged as an important figure at Middlesbrough under Carrick, but he also owes a lot to him for developing as one of the best midfielders in the Championship.
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The 22-year-old revealed the encouraging final words his former manager had for him ahead of him flying out with England to try and retain their Euro U-21 crown in Slovakia.
“I found out Thursday I was in the squad and told my mum and dad and yeah I was buzzing,” Hackney told The Sun.
“But also, yeah I was gutted about Michael Carrick to be honest. He’s done loads for me.
“He puts his trust in me to play the majority of games and helped me so much with everything really. I can’t thank him enough for that.
“I text him straight away wishing him all the best in the future and he replied wishing me good luck for going away with England. It was nice.
“It’s probably the first manager that I’ve lost and I just wanted to thank him for everything. But now a new guy will come in, whoever that may be, and as a squad we’ll go from there.”
Hackney previously represented Scotland U21s before switching to England in 2023.
A strong European Championship campaign could see Hackney earn a big move away from the Championship.
Manchester United eye Hackney swoop
United will be one of the clubs keeping a close eye on Hackney this summer.
Amorim has several areas of the team that need strengthening, but most United fans would welcome the addition of a midfielder who can do a bit of everything.
Hackney is an example of that, and he wouldn’t break the bank.
United are tracking Hackney after watching him come on leaps and bounds under Carrick.
Middlesbrough could struggle to keep their prized asset ahead of the new season.
Soccer Aid announces Carrick
Carrick will be returning to the pitch this weekend – as a player – just over a week after getting sacked by Middlesbrough.
It is understood that Carrick is weighing up his options after being linked with the Bristol City job.
However, he will be back on the pitch this Sunday, playing for the England side against the Rest of the World XI for the annual Soccer Aid match.
One of Carrick’s opponents will include former United defender John O’Shea, while the England team will include Paul Scholes with Wayne Rooney as manager alongside Tyson Fury.