Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is reportedly eager to reunite with one of his former players at Old Trafford.

The Premier League giants are said to be preparing to enter the race to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney this summer, with Carrick personally leading the club’s efforts to bring him in.

As per a report from The Northern Echo, Carrick has been a strong advocate of the 23-year-old’s abilities during recent post-season recruitment discussions, as Manchester United plan a major revamp of their midfield this summer.

Middlesbrough are expected to sanction Hackney’s sale after their Championship play-off final defeat to Hull City. With the midfielder entering the final year of his contract at the Riverside Stadium, his departure during the upcoming transfer window appears almost certain.

The England Under-21 international enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, earning the Championship Player of the Season award for his performances.

In addition to Manchester United, FC Porto and Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Crystal Palace have all been monitoring Hackney closely in recent months.

However, United are believed to hold a significant advantage in the pursuit of the young midfielder’s signature.

Hackney and Carrick share a strong professional relationship from their time together at Middlesbrough, where Carrick served as manager for three seasons. During that period, he entrusted a then-teenage Hackney with a regular starting role, overseeing his development across 104 competitive appearances.

Having flourished under Carrick’s guidance, the Redcar-born midfielder is widely expected to welcome the opportunity to reunite with his former mentor at Manchester United, a move that would mark the biggest step of his career so far.

A transfer to Old Trafford would see Hackney fill the void left in midfield following Casemiro’s departure at the end of last season.

Although stepping into the shoes of a five-time Champions League winner is no small task, Hackney’s dynamic and high-intensity playing style bears similarities to the Brazilian’s preferred role. Like Casemiro, Hackney is also capable of operating effectively in a deep-lying midfield position.

Hackney is known for his combative approach and ability to win duels, combining physicality with composure in possession.

Importantly, the Boro midfielder also boasts an impressive passing range, enabling him to control the tempo and deliver progressive passes from deep positions.

While Manchester United continue to monitor other potential midfield targets, including Atalanta’s Ederson and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, both of whom remain on their shortlist, Carrick appears convinced that Hackney represents a smart and sustainable long-term investment for the club’s midfield rebuild.