Manchester United have reportedly discussed a move for one particular Casemiro replacement, in a bid to reunite the midfielder with his former manager, Michael Carrick.
Following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton on Monday night, Manchester United have moved up to fourth in the Premier League standings, only three points behind Aston Villa in third.
Michael Carrick’s Reds were made to work extremely hard for their win over David Moyes’ Toffees, and it took until the 71st minute for the deadlock to be broken through Benjamin Šeško.
One of the key standouts during United’s recent turnaround has been their veteran midfielder Casemiro, who is set to depart the club in the summer once his contract expires.
With the Brazilian due to depart from Old Trafford in the summer, the Reds are being linked with a host of replacements, now including a 23-year-old who previously played under Carrick.
Hackney linked with Carrick reunion
Football Insider have reported, through former United scout Mick Brown, that Carrick has spoken with his recruitment team regarding Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.
Hackney featured under Carrick during the 44-year-old’s spell at the Riverside Stadium, where he became a key component in their side almost instantly.
Speaking on the possible Casemiro replacement, Brown said, “Hayden Hackney is somebody Man United have discussed.
“Michael Carrick knows him well, and he knows Michael Carrick, so I have no doubt the question will have been asked by the recruitment team at some stage.
“I’m told he is somebody the manager likes and would like to work with again if the opportunity came up, in a position where United want to strengthen.”
United to bring in multiple midfielders
Continuing on the topic of United’s possible midfield acquisitions, the former United chief scout claimed that the Reds are likely to bring in multiple midfielders in the summer.
The Red Devils will have to replace the void left by Casemiro, as well as potentially replace the depth provided by Manuel Ugarte, who has been consistently linked with an exit since the summer.
Brown said, “I think they’re going to bring in a midfielder and probably more than one because Casemiro is leaving, and he might not be the only one.
“So Hackney would fit that bill. He’s a talented young player who has impressed in the Championship, and a lot of clubs are having a look at him. But if United make a move and Carrick is still the manager next season, it gives them a real advantage because of the relationship that is already there.”
Hackney may be the perfect option to replace Casemiro, given his existing relationship with Carrick and his relative budget-friendliness, allowing them to also pursue one of their more luxurious targets.
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