Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has made quite the start during his second spell in charge and he's been handed an update from a player he admires
Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick celebrates with Hayden Hackney
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is known to admire Hayden Hackney(Image: Craig Thomas)
View 3 Images
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is a known admirer of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. And after being linked with a move to Old Trafford, the 23-year-old has addressed his future.
Carrick has been handed the reins of his former club for the second time after Ruben Amorim's dismissal and has already orchestrated victories against Manchester City and Arsenal. His job before this spell was as manager of Middlesbrough, a position he held for almost three years.
During this time, the 44-year-old became well acquainted with Hackney. The midfield star has been linked with a move to the Premier League for some time and Carrick's appointment only sped up the rumour mill where United are concerned.
But Hackney has now spoken out about a potential transfer before the January deadline, addressing his future at Middlesbrough and scuppering any late plans Carrick may have.
After 30 games played in the Championship, Middlesbrough sit joint top of the table with promotion to the Premier League in their sights. They beat Norwich 1-0 on Saturday in a crunch fixture, with captain Hackney bagging the only goal of the game.
Post-match, Hackney was asked about his future and he made his transfer plans very clear. Queried if he would be moving before the deadline, he said: "No. I'm really happy.
Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough celebrates scoring
Hackney scored against Norwich(Image: Getty)
View 3 Images
"The manager [Kim Hellberg] has got me playing the way I enjoy playing, getting the best out of me. So yeah, I'm really enjoying it. This is what I've wanted to do ever since I was a kid: play for Middlesbrough.
"And where we are in the league at the minute, as long as we just keep going, we feel confident. Winning promotion with Middlesbrough would mean everything to me. I don't know how I'd be, but I know I'd be over the moon. That is the dream."
This news will come as a slight blow to Carrick, who has spoken so highly of Hackney in the past. Back in 2024, Carrick sang the midfielder's praises when he was in charge at Middlesbrough.
"You couldn't ask for much more from Hayden," said Carrick two years ago. "He's grounded, he's humble, he's down to earth and loves to learn. He loves the place and he loves the club as well.
Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick with Hayden Hackney following the Sky Bet Championship match at Carrow Road, Norwich
Carrick praised Hackney when he managed the midfield star(Image: PA)
View 3 Images
"To have that, added with the talent he has got, it's the perfect scenario. I think it just shows his consistency really, over a long period of time. It's not easy when you're a younger player, but he's certainly done that.
"There is a level of talent out there in and around football and sometimes it might not be that different player to player, but levels can be jumped, or not, if your head is not in the right place and you don't go about your business in the right way and treat your profession with respect.
"Hayden certainly does that. He's been exemplary really since I've been here and I really enjoy working with him. He's desperate for more, desperate to learn, and he's a real credit to his family, to himself and to the club."