Manchester United have secret weapon in chase for “exemplary” Championship talent

Manchester United are already mapping out their summer transfer plans after the January window closed on Monday night.

Ruben Amorim had prioritised squad reinforcements ahead of the winter window, with the wingback position at Manchester United emerging as the most pressing issue.

To address this, United signed Patrick Dorgu for a reported £25 million, with the young talent set to become the starting left-wingback in Amorim’s system.

The club also bolstered its defence by acquiring the young left-sided center-back Ayden Heaven, a potentially important addition following Lisandro Martínez’s anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford and Antony have left on loan, while Tyrell Malacia is also expected to depart, with a move to PSV Eindhoven close to completion. Several academy prospects have been loaned out as well.

INEOS will be keeping their eye on young talent ahead of the summer transfer window, with their transfer stance clearly based around securing exciting prospects rather than ready-made stars.

Hackney excels for Middlesborough as United scouts watch

One of those players they may be eyeing is Middlesborough midfielder Hayden Hackney, who has been impressing for Michael Carrick’s side this season.

Hackney, 22, has made 28 appearances for the Championship play-off-pushing side this term in the heart of midfield.

The young talent has even captained Middlesborough on a handful of occasions which shows exactly how much he is rated by Carrick.

Despite losing against Sunderland last week, Hackney stood out for The Boro as he scored and assisted in the 3-2 defeat.

It has been claimed by talkSPORT that United scouts were in attendance for that game to watch Chris Rigg, but they have also had previous reported interest in Hackney.

The Championship club reportedly rejected a £10 million bid for the player from Porto in the January window.

United have secret weapon in chase for Hackney

The Reds may want to progress in their efforts to sign Hackney next summer as a low-cost option to bolster a midfield which is likely to be without Casemiro or Christian Eriksen.

Various reports have explained that United are not the only big English club interested in him, with several Premier League clubs eyeing the second-division star.

However, United would have the secret weapon of Carrick, who has given Hackney the chance in Middlesborough’s first-team and is a former United coach and player.

The ex-midfielder would not only be able to provide United the best account of the player’s abilities, and whether he’d be ready for the step up, but he could also help convince Hackney of the move to Old Trafford amid interest from elsewhere.

Speaking on his midfield talent recently, Carrick told the Northern Echo: “You couldn’t ask for much more from Hayden.

“He’s grounded, he’s humble, he’s down to earth and loves to learn. He loves the place and he loves the club as well.

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“To have that, added with the talent he has got, it’s the perfect scenario. I think it just shows his consistency really, over a long period of time. It’s not easy when you’re a younger player, but he’s certainly done that.

“Hayden certainly does that. He’s been exemplary really since I’ve been here and I really enjoy working with him. He’s desperate for more, desperate to learn, and he’s a real credit to his family, to himself and to the club.”

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