Michael Carrick reportedly wants to reunite with 23-year-old English midfielder Hayden Hackney at Manchester United in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Hayden Hackney is the subject of interest from Manchester United. Michael Carrick is the driving force behind the Red Devils’ move for the Middlesbrough mainstay, as they are keen on reinforcing their midfield unit in the winter transfer window.

However, Manchester United will face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur for his signature in the winter transfer window. Everton and Fulham have also shown interest in the Englishman, but a January deal to either club is unlikely. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough will be “determined not to be pressured into selling” him this month as they push to secure promotion to the Premier League.

Who is Hayden Hackney?

Hayden Hackney has established himself as one of the best young prospects in the EFL Championship since breaking into the first-team squad at Middlesbrough. The 23-year-old spent his formative years in his homeland and graduated from the youth division at Middlesbrough in January 2021. However, the Redcar native had to wait until the 2022/23 season to enjoy his breakthrough at the Riverside Stadium.

Hackney has made nearly 150 appearances thus far for Middlesbrough while chipping in with 14 goals and 15 assists. Meanwhile, the English midfielder’s exploits for the EFL Championship club have not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known Premier League clubs. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.

Premier League adventure on the horizon?

Manchester United’s interest in Hayden Hackney is understandable. The Red Devils are combing the market for a versatile midfielder amid Casemiro’s advancing age. Additionally, Manuel Ugarte has been dreadful since joining Manchester United from Paris Saint-Germain 18 months ago. Several candidates have thus emerged on their wishlist, with Hackney also a viable target. Michael Carrick is now keen on reuniting with the Englishman at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Hackney has been on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, as Yves Bissouma has no future at the North London club. So, with Tottenham building a long-term core by signing highly-rated youngsters, the Middlesbrough midfielder is an option worth considering, even though they have signed Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid this month.

However, the Premier League promotion hopefuls are “determined not to be pressured into selling Hackney” in the winter transfer window amid their bid to finish in the top two of the EFL Championship standings. So, it will be interesting to see if Manchester United or Tottenham can land the 23-year-old English midfielder this month.