Michael Carrick's dream first Manchester United signing revealed as player expected to accept transfer proposal

Transfer Michael Carrick's dream first Manchester United signing revealed as player expected to accept transfer proposal News By Joe Donnohue published 1 June 2026 Manchester United boss Michael Carrick reportedly wants to reunite with one of his former players at Old Trafford When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Michael Carrick (Image credit: Getty) Copy link Facebook X Pinterest Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Manchester United are reportedly ready to join the transfer battle to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney this summer, with manager Michael Carrick spearheading the club's pursuit. According to a report by The Northern Echo, Carrick has championed the 23-year-old’s capabilities during recent post-season recruitment meetings as Man United plot a comprehensive summer overhaul of their engine room. Middlesbrough are likely prepared to cash in on their prized asset following their Championship play-off final defeat to Hull City, and with Hackney entering the final year of his contract at the Riverside Stadium, a summer exit is virtually guaranteed. You may like Who exactly is Hayden Hackney? FourFourTwo's two-minute scout report Manchester United 'seriously working' on £86m Sandro Tonali move: report Manchester United could make unknown La Liga defender their first summer signing: report Michael Carrick eyes Hayden Hackney reunion at Man United Boro midfielder Hayden Hackney (Image credit: Getty Images)The England Under-21 international's form throughout 2025/26 saw him crowned Championship Player of the Season. Portuguese giants FC Porto, alongside Premier League suitors Tottenham, Everton, and Crystal Palace, have all watched the midfielder closely in recent months. Get a Surfshark VPN in time for the World Cup HERE! Pick up an extra three months of service and up to a $30/£30 Amazon Gift Card when purchasing a two-year subscription plan. View DealHowever, Manchester United hold a distinct trump card in the race for his signature. Hackney and Carrick share a professional bond from their time together on Teesside. Carrick spent three seasons as Boro boss before leaving the club, during which time he handed a teenage Hackney a regular starting spot and oversaw his development across 104 appearances in all competitions. Get the FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Having thrived under Carrick's tutelage, the Redcar-born midfielder would almost certainly accept a transfer proposal from Manchester United to reunite with his former mentor on the grandest stage of his career yet. A move to Old Trafford would see Hackney step into a midfield vacancy created by the departure of Casemiro at the end of last season. While replacing a five-time Champions League winner is a daunting task, Hackney's high-energy style of play shares similarities to the Brazilian's optimal role. Like Casemiro, Hackney can operate in a deep-lying midfield role, too. Michael Carrick overseeing training (Image credit: Getty Images)Hackney is a combative, high-volume dueller, coupling steel with technical composure under pressure. Crucially, the Boro midfielder possesses a forward-thinking and creative passing range, allowing him to dictate tempo and break lines from deep. While Man United continue to track alternative targets like Atalanta's Ederson and Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, both of whom may yet sign for the club, Carrick likely sees Hackney as a perfect, long-term engine room investment. TOPICS Hayden Hackney Middlesbrough Manchester United Premier League Championship Joe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller. View More You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Logout Read more Person Who exactly is Hayden Hackney? 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