Report: Michael Carrick wants Man United to sign English midfielder

Manchester United’s transfer thinking is increasingly shaped by timing rather than impulse. As reported by TeamTalk , attention has turned towards Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney , a player firmly on the radar at Old Trafford but one whose immediate availability looks unlikely. Tottenham may be exploring a £30million move, yet United’s interest is more layered, informed by familiarity and longer-term planning.

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Hackney’s rise has mirrored Middlesbrough’s momentum. Under Michael Carrick, the midfielder matured into a central figure, and his development has continued under Kim Hellberg. Three goals and six assists in 26 Championship appearances underline both productivity and influence, but his value to Boro goes beyond numbers. He is integral to a promotion push, and club sources are clear they do not want a repeat of last winter’s decision to sell Emmanuel Latte Lath, a move they admit “impacted them”.

Middlesbrough’s stance is robust. Sitting second in the Championship, they see little incentive to weaken mid-season. Hackney, 23, is viewed internally as a cornerstone, and the £30million valuation reflects not only talent but leverage. Any deal at that level would eclipse their previous record sale, surpassing the £18.4million Atalanta United paid for Latte Lath.

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Premier League interest is broad. Tottenham and United are the headline suitors, with Fulham and Everton also monitoring the situation. Graeme Bailey has previously reported Everton’s admiration, though their January focus lies elsewhere. Tottenham’s activity, despite signing Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid, signals ambition rather than urgency.

For United, the appeal is obvious. Carrick “continues to be a huge admirer of Hackney”, having worked closely with him, and the prospect of a 4-2-3-1 system places renewed emphasis on disciplined, progressive midfielders. Hackney’s game intelligence and composure align neatly with that profile.

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Yet January appears unrealistic. Boro do not believe anyone will meet their valuation this window, and there is acceptance that summer may bring different realities if promotion is missed. United, for their part, seem content to watch and wait, assessing whether circumstances align later rather than forcing a move now.

Hackney is not a marquee name, but that is precisely the attraction. Fans have seen too many midfield rebuilds stumble under the weight of expectation and price tags. A player already trusted by Carrick, with a clear tactical role and room to grow, fits the idea of smarter recruitment.

Supporters will also appreciate the restraint. Paying £30million in January for a Championship midfielder, however talented, would carry risk. Waiting until summer, when promotion outcomes are known and negotiations reset, feels more measured. There is also reassurance in the profile itself. Hackney looks like someone who could complement rather than crowd United’s midfield, adding control and energy without demanding instant stardom.

For fans weary of short-term fixes, this kind of patient tracking suggests lessons may finally be sticking.