Michael Carrick’s chances of becoming permanent Manchester United manager are growing by the minute. The English coach took charge on a caretaker basis last month.
A 3-2 win over Arsenal and a 2-0 victory against Manchester City have many calling for Carrick to get the job full-time. INEOS will decide at the end of the season, and Champions League qualification could be crucial.
Even if Carrick isn’t kept on, it is widely expected that at least one midfield signing will be made. Several names have been linked, including an EFL Championship talent.
Man United eyeing Hackney
The Red Devils have long admired Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. He’s been on the club’s radar for several years.
According to Dean Jones of TEAMtalk, United are “still monitoring” Hackney and he’s a player Carrick knows well. He coached the 23-year-old during his time in charge of Boro.
Hackney’s stock has continued to grow at the Riverside. He is playing a lead role in his side’s push for Premier League promotion.
The England U21 international has made 34 appearances across competitions this season. He’s found the back of the net five times while providing six assists.
Jones claims that Hackney is “eager to make the move to Old Trafford.” Casemiro is set to leave the club when his contract expires in June.
That has already tasked INEOS with finding a replacement. Manuel Ugarte’s poor form since joining the Reds might result in two new midfielders arriving this summer.
Carrick is a fan
If Carrick has a say over recruitment, he will clearly be in support of the move. He gave a glowing verdict of his former Boro man back in December 2022 (via Football League World):
“Hayden has been terrific since I came and the couple of games before that he played really well.”
Hackney is a defensive midfielder but his versatility allows him to play centrally and in attacking midfield. He has even played out on the left and this ability to adapt to different roles could be hugely beneficical.
The young Englishman made 104 appearances under Carrick. He posted nine goals and as many assists.
Hackney hails Carrick influence
The bond built between Hackney and Carrick could be factored into a potential swoop for the Boro midfielder. He was just breaking into the senior team when United’s caretaker boss was in charge at the Riverside.
Hackney spoke highly of the former United midfielder’s impact on him as a coach. He said (via The Sun):
“He’s done loads for me. He put his trust in me to play the majority of games and helped me so much with everything really. I can’t thank him enough for that.”
Carrick has an eye for talent which INEOS must not ignore if they decide to keep him on. Hackney could be a perfect way to start a new era at Old Trafford.
Matthew Guyett is an editorial lead at Dave.Sport and has over five years of experience in sports journalism. They have been featured in GiveMeSport and TheRealChamps, specialising in writing and editing as a site expert.
Matthew holds a BA Creative Writing degree and has become one of the highest actively read journalists in all outlets he has worked for.
When not writing and editing, he is watching football, studying statistics and keeping an eye on transfer news.
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