Hayden Hackney is a player Michael Carrick is a fan of after working together at Middlesbrough and Manchester United have been linked with a swoop for him.
Michael Carrick looks on.
Michael Carrick isn't likely to welcome any new signings to Old Trafford.(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
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Manchester United-linked Hayden Hackney, who thrived under Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough, has been the subject of a late, rejected move by Nottingham Forest on deadline day.
Hackney was one of Carrick's best players at the Riverside Stadium after he emerged through their academy. The 23-year-old became a regular under Carrick, after his appointment in October 2022, and went on to win the club's Young Player of the Year Award.
Since then, Hackney has become one of the most in-demand players in the Championship and has had interest in him in the January transfer window. However, Middlesbrough are fighting for a spot in the Premier League and are level on points with Coventry City at the summit.
Hackney had been linked with a move to United earlier in January, mainly due to Carrick's relationship with him. While a transfer to Old Trafford has never materialised, Premier League interest has emerged on deadline day.
Sky Sports reports that Forest made an approach for Hackney, earlier on Monday, in an attempt to bolster Sean Dyche's midfield. However, the move was immediately knocked back with Middlesbrough having no intention to allow him to leave so late in the window.
Hackney is into the final 18 months of his contract on Teeside - although his stay at Middlesbrough could in turn be extended if they do return to the top-flight. In the summer, should Boro fail to go up, his services could be available at a lower price.
Hayden Hackney celebrates scoring a goal.
Hayden Hackney and Middlesbrough are gunning for the Premier League this season.(Image: PA)
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Over the weekend, Hackney scored the decisive goal in the 1-0 win over Norwich to move Boro joint-top of the table. After the game, he was quizzed on his future at Middlesbrough amid interest from the Premier League.
"No. I'm really happy," he said when asked if he would leave this window. "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 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."
Back in 2024, Carrick heaped praise on Hackney's qualities as a midfielder. "You couldn't ask for much more from Hayden," Carrick remarked 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. 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 isn't 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."