Michael Carrick, the newly appointed interim manager, is focusing on rebuilding Manchester United by looking at players he’s previously developed.
During his tenure at Middlesbrough, Carrick helped nurture several young talents, which led to United’s interest in a few of them last summer.
One player that often came up in discussions was Hayden Hackney.
As noted earlier, United has long had an interest in the Middlesbrough midfielder, primarily due to his growth under Carrick in the EFL Championship.
Hackney has become a key player in Middlesbrough’s lineup, excelling as a midfielder who can control the pace of the game from a deep position.
However, recent reports indicate that another club may make the first move.
According to Alan Nixon, Leeds United is planning a significant bid for Hackney, provided they remain in the Premier League.
Leeds views the 23-year-old as a top target, with their pursuit likely influenced by Middlesbrough’s promotion chances.
Despite interest from other clubs, including Ipswich Town and Premier League teams, Hackney has stayed committed to Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough values him highly and would expect a substantial fee for his transfer.
An interesting twist in this situation is Carrick’s past connection with Hackney.
Having managed him at Riverside, Carrick appreciates Hackney’s tactical awareness and calm demeanor with the ball.
This familiarity has fueled speculation about a potential transfer to Old Trafford, especially as United looks to reshape their midfield with Casemiro set to leave at the end of the season.
Leeds, however, may aim to secure Hackney if the financial and promotional circumstances work in their favor.
For Manchester United, it could hinge on timing rather than interest.
If Carrick still views Hackney as part of his midfield plans, Leeds’ intentions may press for a quicker decision.