Destined for the top? How Middlesbrough midfield sensation Hayden Hackney could shine in Premier League with Manchester United, Everton linked

The Redcar-born midfielder fell just short of promotion with his boyhood club, but his performances have attracted interest from several top-flight sides, including Michael Carrick's Manchester United and Everton.

A move to Old Trafford makes particular sense given Carrick's influence on Hackney's fledgling career. It was under Carrick that he developed into one of the Championship's most complete midfielders.

Hackney thrived under Carrick in 104 appearances in all competitions during his three-year tenure at the Riverside.

The pair have been strongly linked with a reunion, with The Northern Echo reporting that United's interest is serious.

With Casemiro departing and the club returning to the UEFA Champions League, their need for midfield reinforcements and greater squad depth is obvious. The arrival of a dynamic midfielder like Hackney would go some way towards reshaping United's engine room.

However, The Athletic's David Ornstein claims Everton are leading the race to sign him.

With just a year on his contract, suitors are lining up, so what could Hackney bring to the top flight?

Hackney had been a fringe player in Middlesbrough's squad when interim boss Leo Percovich handed him his first league start in a 1-0 win over Birmingham in October 2022. He cemented his place soon after under Carrick and quickly developed into one of the Championship's standout midfielders.

Boro fans will fondly remember his winning goal against Chelsea in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final in February 2024.

His form and leadership saw Carrick hand him the captain's armband on several occasions, and in September 2023 he earned his first call-up to England's Under-21 squad for the European Championship qualifiers, eventually helping The Young Lions lift the tournament in 2025.

"He's a talented lad and more importantly he is so down to earth and humble," said Carrick of Hackney.

"He's willing to listen and he's a very fast learner, so anything you tell him he takes on board straight away.

"He's really composed on the ball, always there and always offering for the ball, always wants the ball. When he does get it he's positive."

Hackney's influence at Boro only grew after Carrick's departure. He was part of a side who spent 35 matchdays in the top two, only for their form to collapse from mid-March - not coincidentally during a period when Hackney was absent with a groin injury that ruled him out until the play-off final.

Forging a formidable central partnership with Aidan Morris, the US international described the pair as the best midfield duo in the Championship last term.

His standout season certainly was not lost on head coach Kim Hellberg, who said: "He's a top player and person. In every aspect of the game he's good, defensively and offensively."

Setting the tempo in midfield with his close control, composure and vision, Hackney entertained the Riverside faithful throughout a memorable campaign. According to Opta, he completed more successful passes in the final third than any other player in the division (848) and created 83 chances, the second-highest total in the Championship.

His tendency to run at defences resulted in 54 dribbles bring completed, the eighth highest of any player.

He particularly thrived when pushed into a more advanced role during Boro's run of six straight victories, scoring a stunning long-range winner in the 1-0 win over Norwich in January, one of five goals he contributed in the league last season.

Often hailed as an all-round midfielder, Hackney was almost as impressive without the ball, excelling in Hellberg's intense pressing system. He won possession back 205 times, the seventh-highest figure in the league, a reflection of his work rate, anticipation and willingness to graft for the team.

United have needed at least one central midfielder for over a year, arguably two.

They have been short in central midfield for some time, and the issue stretches back to last summer when they failed in their attempt to sign Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba. The situation has only become more pressing with Casemiro's departure, leaving a clear need for reinforcements in the middle of the pitch.

United have been linked with Atalanta star Ederson, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Matheus Fernandes of recently relegated West Ham United, but Hackney represents a different kind of opportunity. With his contract running to June 2027, he would address a clear area of weakness at a reasonable cost, freeing up budget for other positions where they are short. His arrival could also help pave the way for a move for Nottingham Forest and England star Elliot Anderson.

While he may not command a first-team place straight away, Carrick has been enthused by Hackney's development and would have full confidence in his ability to grow into a Manchester United shirt.

A high-intensity midfielder, Hackney can operate as either a No. 6 or a No. 8, and his ability to glide past opponents, combined with his intelligent forward passing, would give United a player capable of breaking lines.

Alongside strong links to Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and UEFA Conference League winners Crystal Palace have also been linked with a move.

Ipswich Town, who Hackney reportedly turned down at the start of last season, are also expected to reignite their interest.

Man Utd remain in contention, and there is no doubt Hackney would love to work under Carrick again.

"I've learned loads from him," Hackney previously said of Carrick. "A lot of things you wouldn't even think are big, but when you're in a game, it helps you so much. It's been perfect for me really, given he was a midfielder. The little pointers and tips."

However, it appears Everton are now firm favourites to land his signature. The coming days and weeks will be interesting, but one thing is for sure: Hackney is ready for the next chapter of his career.

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