Manchester United’s summer transfer window is set to be dominated by the midfield department and now Hayden Hackney has once again emerged as a contender to be signed.
Signing Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough this summer as a squad depth player makes a lot of sense considering his relationship with Michael Carrick, but he’s also a long term target.
Manchester United scouts have liked Hackney for years, since his emergence under Carrick in the North East.
Hackney was even considered last summer, but now he is more prepared than ever for the Premier League and looks set for a move this summer, in which case he is on United’s list.
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Hayden Hackney dribbling with the ball for Middlesbrough.
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Manchester United want Hayden Hackney this summer
This comes according to Alex Crook on talkSPORT, who claims that he has had Hackney’s name mentioned in recent days.
“Couple of other names that have been mentioned to me in the last couple of days, Mateus Fernandes at West Ham, I think, is starting to play really well for them.
“A cheaper option potentially if you’re just looking for extra numbers in midfield. Hayden Hackney at Middlesbrough, obviously someone who played under Michael Carrick, someone who a lot of Premier League clubs have looked at.
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“So it wouldn’t surprise me if they sign one of those big guns that you’re talking about the likes of Wharton or Baleba or Anderson, maybe even Tonali and then bring in Hayden Hackney or Mateus Fernandes to supplement that”
This would make complete sense from a United standpoint, with Hackney likely to cost considerably less than the tier one targets, making him a good contender to be signed as a supplementary midfielder.
Elliot Anderson or Sandro Tonali alongside Kobbie Mainoo, then Hackney and another midfielder behind them is excellent squad building to compete across multiple competitions.
Should Manchester United be aiming higher than Hayden Hackney?
OR is he the perfect squad depth signing to compete in multiple competitions 🏆
Hayden Hackney jetting off with England U21s ahead of the European Championship
Photo by Jack Thomas – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Hackney would be excellent player to have in the squad
For those unaware, Hackney has always been compared with Carrick, for his slick passing and composure in the midfield.
It’s safe to say that if Carrick gets the permanent head coach job, he and the player would welcome being reunited. Hackney has spoken glowingly about Carrick and would be a loyal supporter of the manager in the dressing room.
Hackney possesses the on ball and off ball qualities to be a really decent player in the Premier League, exactly what United need more of with a return to Europe and longer cup runs.
Unlikely to cost more than £30m, Hackney would be happy to play a squad role and has the quality to step up if needed on occasion.
United cannot sign three £100m midfielders, so Hackney would be a great addition to add to a elite arrival.
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