Michael Carrick Middlesbrough manager Hayden Hackney
Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES
With INEOS looking to sign the world’s best young footballers for Manchester United, young talents was always going to be a key focus.
Finances at Old Trafford remain in a precarious position, limiting the club’s ability to spend huge sums on established stars.
Instead, Manchester United are focusing on acquiring top young talents with high potential but relatively low risk.
This recruitment approach has already proven successful, with Chido Obi, Diego Leon, and Sekou Kone among the names brought in.
Obi, in particular, has quickly become a first-team regular under Ruben Amorim, showing the benefits of this strategy.
The South American market is an area INEOS appear determined to explore.
United already signed Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno, but it seems the Championship is of interest as a talent pool too.
One player who has been thriving at Middlesbrough, is being closely followed by the Red Devils.
Hayden Hackney now on Manchester United’s radar
Hayden Hackney is thriving under the perfect mentor at Middlesbrough.
Only a few English central midfielders in the 21st century boast a better pedigree than Michael Carrick.
Hackney’s rise began shortly after Carrick’s appointment in October 2022, just months after the midfielder endured a tough loan spell at Scunthorpe.
A loan spell that ended in relegation to the National League.
Since then, he has not looked back, becoming one of the most highly regarded midfielders in the Championship.
His performances have drawn significant interest, with Boro rejecting a surprise £10 million bid from Porto for him in January.
Hackney operates as a deep-lying playmaker, dictating tempo and making things tick in midfield.
According to the Daily Mail, several Premier League clubs have taken notice.
Scouts from both Manchester United and Manchester City, as well as Tottenham and Liverpool, are watching him closely.
United’s interest in the midfielder dates back to the beginning of 2024, when Erik ten Hag was under the helm.
The Daily Mail report that Hackney is firmly on the radar of numerous other top-flight clubs ahead of a potential summer move.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!