Manchester United have been known to spend big in the transfer market over the last couple of years, with various managers getting massively backed by the hierarchy.
Ruben Amorim was handed over £200m worth of funds to make the desired changes he required to his 3-4-2-1 system, but the 40-year-old was handed his marching orders at the start of the month.
Erik ten Hag was the man before him to be handed a mammoth sum of money, with the Dutchman being given over £600m to splash on new players to lead the club back up the Premier League.
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However, despite spending over £800m on new additions in the last three and a half years alone, the Red Devils are still in desperate need of added reinforcements this winter.
Michael Carrick is the beneficiary of the financial backing this time around, with numerous moves already being plotted by the new temporary manager.
Carrick wants £30m move for midfield star
In an attempt to bolster United’s midfield department, it’s been reported in recent days that the club have made a £20m bid to land Al Hilal star Ruben Neves.
The Portuguese international has been on their radar for some time, but it now appears the Red Devils have made their move to land the 28-year-old.
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It’s also been reported that his current employers don’t want to lose him during the current window, but could be forced to cash in on his services, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Despite the bid for Neves, he’s not the only player in the hierarchy’s sights at present, with Middlesbrough sensation Hayden Hackney another player admired at Old Trafford.
According to CaughtOffside, Carrick is a huge fan of the 23-year-old star after previously managing in during his previous spell in charge at the Riverside Stadium.
The report states that no official offer has yet been made for the youngster, but the recruitment team are closely monitoring his progress ahead of any possible transfer.
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Any deal would be a sizeable one for Carrick and the club, with the Championship side currently demanding a fee in the region of £30m to part ways with their star man.
Why Hackney would be just like Anderson for United
As previously mentioned, the United midfield department has been one earmarked for improvement in recent months, leading to a whole host of players being touted with moves to Old Trafford.
However, Elliot Anderson has been one name that has continued to pop up in recent times, after his phenomenal rise to stardom at Nottingham Forest over the last 18 months.
The 23-year-old has started every game in the Premier League this campaign, subsequently allowing him to become a regular in the England national team.
As a result of his recent success, Sean Dyche’s side have said he’s not for sale this month, but could sanction a summer deal - but he would cost any interested party a pretty penny.
Elliot Anderson for Nottingham Forest-1
Anderson currently has a £100m price tag on his head at present, with United potentially having to battle Manchester City for his signature in the near future.
Such a fee could be out of Carrick’s price range at Old Trafford, which could make a reunion between the manager and Hackney a more attractive proposition for the board.
The Middlesbrough gem is available for 70% cheaper than Anderson at present, with the youngster possessing a very similar skillset to the Forest star when delving into their respective stats.
Hackney, who’s been dubbed “outstanding” by Statman Dave, has registered more key passes and more passes into the opposition’s penalty area per 90 this campaign.
How Hackney & Anderson compare in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals &assists
Pass accuracy
Key passes
Passes into 18-yard box
Progressive carries
Carries into final third
% of tackles won
Clearances made
Crosses completed
Stats via FBref
Such numbers showcase his phenomenal ability to get the ball into dangerous areas, something which Anderson has become known for at the City Ground this season.
The Boro star has also registered more progressive carries and carries into the final third per 90, which further demonstrates his top-quality ability when in possession.
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However, without the ball, Hackney has been just as impressive, as seen by his higher tallies of clearances made and higher success rate in terms of tackles won in 2025/26.
The United squad have lacked that box-to-box presence over the last couple of months, with both of the aforementioned stars potentially able to fix such an issue.
However, given the mammoth price difference between the pair, a move for Hackney could well make more sense, especially given his ability to better Anderson in key areas.
His previous spell working under Carrick would allow him to make a smooth transition to life at Old Trafford, with the £30m price tag being mooted a potential bargain for a player of his calibre.
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