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Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has reportedly asked the club to pursue Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, a player he previously managed and who has been dubbed the ‘next Declan Rice’.

Under Carrick’s guidance, the Red Devils enjoyed a resurgent second half of the campaign, finishing comfortably in third place in the Premier League and securing Champions League qualification with games remaining.

With their budget strengthened by this qualification, United are expected to invest in several key areas. Atalanta midfielder Ederson is close to joining, and the club also plans to recruit at least one more central midfielder, a left-back, and a left-winger.

There are also suggestions that United could add a centre-back and a striker, depending on budget flexibility or available opportunities. However, midfield remains the top priority, and the club could bring in two new players in that department once Ederson’s move—expected to be completed in July—is finalised.

According to The Northern Echo, Carrick has long admired Hackney, having coached him during his tenure at the Riverside Stadium. The report states that Carrick is ‘encouraging his bosses to make a move of their own once a couple of other summer priorities have been resolved.’

The Championship side, who recently lost the play-off final to Hull City, have reportedly ‘not received a single formal offer for Hayden Hackney despite the mounting speculation over his future.’

During last summer’s transfer window, The Northern Echo revealed that Middlesbrough rejected an offer worth more than €20 million (£17.3 million) from a club other than Ipswich Town. The club reportedly views that figure as a starting point for any future negotiations.

United’s CEO Omar Berrada has reiterated that the club will follow a similar transfer approach to last summer, combining proven Premier League experience with promising international talent.

Berrada told the club’s media: “The template for what we did last summer will be replicated in many ways.

“Whenever you enter a transfer window, you can’t predict exactly how it will end, but preparation is crucial. You must have a clear plan and know precisely which positions you intend to strengthen.

“We must be both agile and flexible, but our plan remains clear.

“Jason Wilcox and his team are well set up to execute that plan. What we achieved last season is a strong model for us—balancing youth with experience.

“We aim to sign players who have already proven themselves in the Premier League, while also identifying talent performing well outside of it.

“Every decision we make must align with both our short-term and long-term vision.”

Berrada continued: “It’s straightforward. We have a plan, we know what we can invest, and we must stick to it.

“In some situations, we may choose to make an investment knowing it’s the right choice not just for the next two or three years, but for the next decade.”

Addressing the future of club captain Bruno Fernandes, who was reportedly unhappy with the club’s stance on his situation last season, Berrada added: “I think in Bruno, we have a fantastic captain—absolutely fantastic.

“We want him to stay, of course. He’s had a great season on the pitch, and even more importantly, he’s demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities.

“People often don’t see the work he does off the pitch, and he deserves immense credit for that.”

“He’s earned the right to continue leading the team for at least the next two years, if not longer.

“I would describe him as calm yet incredibly driven, and I’m confident that he and his staff will do everything possible to ensure success this season, next season, and beyond.

“When we look at our squad and our goals for the coming years, Bruno brings the right mix of character, understanding of the club, and leadership to guide us through the next stages of our journey.”