Manchester United are reportedly preparing to enter the race for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, with manager Michael Carrick driving the club's interest ahead of a major summer rebuild in the engine room.

According to The Northern Echo, Carrick has personally advocated for the 23-year-old during post-season recruitment discussions, positioning the Championship Player of the Season as a priority target as United look to reshape their midfield.

A bond built on Teesside

The connection between Carrick and Hackney runs deep. During his three seasons in charge at Middlesbrough, Carrick handed a teenage Hackney a regular starting berth and oversaw his development across 104 appearances in all competitions. That mentorship has reportedly made Hackney receptive to a transfer proposal from Old Trafford.

Middlesbrough are believed to be open to selling their standout asset this summer following their Championship play-off final defeat to Hull City. With Hackney entering the final year of his contract at the Riverside Stadium, a departure this summer appears all but inevitable.

A crowded transfer race

Manchester United are not alone in monitoring the England Under-21 international. FC Porto, Tottenham, Everton, and Crystal Palace have all tracked Hackney closely in recent months. However, Carrick's personal relationship with the player is considered United's strongest advantage in what is shaping up to be a competitive pursuit.

Filling the Casemiro void

Hackney's arrival would address a vacancy left by the departure of Casemiro at the end of last season. While stepping into the shoes of a five-time Champions League winner is a considerable challenge, Hackney's profile carries genuine parallels — he can operate as a deep-lying midfielder, brings combative energy to duels, and combines physical steel with technical composure under pressure.

Crucially, the Redcar-born midfielder possesses a progressive passing range, enabling him to dictate tempo and break defensive lines from deep positions — qualities United will need if they are to rebuild their midfield effectively.

United are also monitoring Atalanta's Ederson and Newcastle's Sandro Tonali as alternative options, but Carrick is said to view Hackney as an ideal long-term investment at the heart of the club's midfield.