Michael Carrick's Ex-Boro Starlet "Well-Liked" Within Man Utd

Manchester United are looking to overhaul their midfield department this summer, having accepted they will lose Casemiro after the final game of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion. 

Manuel Ugarte, who has played second-fiddle to the Brazilian, also could leave during the off-season, leaving United with just Kobbie Mainoo as the only senior option for the double pivot. 

Mason Mount has been asked to deputise in deeper midfield more recently, but his best form of his career has come much higher up the pitch as one of the No.10s in a 3-4-2-1 - Rúben Amorim's favoured formation. 

United have already been linked with several options to replace Casemiro, including Elliot Anderson and Aurelian Tchouaméni. Director of Football Jason Wilcox has also explored cheaper options for United's Ugarte replacement, with constant links to Mateus Fernandes and Ederson. 

However, earlier in the season, it was reported that United may look to sign three midfielders, with Kobbie Mainoo lacking a backup if he were to get injured. This could be an academy player promoted during pre-season, but the Red Devils should explore the market, too. 

Michael Carrick's only other job in management has been head coach of Middlesbrough from 2022-2025. During that time, Hayden Hackney began to shine as a promising midfielder, and he has continued to impress after Carrick's departure last summer. 

Hackney has scored five goals and registered seven assists for Middlesbrough this season, and has played across midfield, with appearances as a No.10 and as a defensive midfielder. 

The Athletic have reported that the 23-year-old is "well-liked" within Manchester United, including by Michael Carrick. 

Ipswich Town agreed a deal to sign Hackney before the start of last season for approximately £20 million, but that move fell through just before the beginning of the campaign. Middlesbrough would likely demand a similar fee should they remain in the Championship. 

Boro face Hull City in the Championship playoff final, having won the 'spygate' case against Southampton on Wednesday. A win at Wembley could see Hackney's price rise and a deal become more complicated. 

If United choose to stay clear of Hackney and only sign two midfielders, they will look to promote at least one from the academy, as three senior midfielders will not be enough to compete in the Premier League and the Champions League next season. 

Jack and Tyler Fletcher will be hungry to impress Michael Carrick in pre-season, having both made their debuts this season - the latter under Carrick. Jack Moorhouse will also look to fight for his place after returning from his League One loan move in January. 

Against Brighton, Jim Thwaites - alongside Godwill Kukonki - is expected to be included in the travelling squad. Thwaites made the trip to Stamford Bridge earlier this season, despite playing 120 minutes the day before in the FA Youth Cup. The general consensus is that Thwaites is well thought of within the club, having been compared to David Beckham and Paul Scholes by fans. 

None of the academy midfielders carry the same experience as Hayden Hackney, but they could be more willing to wait for their opportunity, too. 

The final decision on a third midfield signing may not be made until July, at which time Hackney could have found a move elsewhere or began preparations for a Premier League season with Middlesbrough.