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Analysis
- 27 minutes ago
Man Utd in €35m bidding war for Michael Carrick favourite
Tom Weber
- Updated: 19 Jan 2026 19:15 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Manchester United are still interested in Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, who is expected to become the subject of a bidding war, according to a report.
The 23-year-old has become one of the Championship's most accomplished midfielders in recent years, and transfer speculation is never too far away. This window is proving no different, with Tottenham and Man Utd linked with Hackney.
However, Spurs have completed the €40 million signing of Conor Gallagher, which CaughtOffside reports has ended their interest in the Boro midfielder for now.
Current ETV
Hayden Hackney
DM, M (C)
Boro
Hayden Hackney
DM, M (C)
Boro
ETV Range
€20.1M - €24.6M
Man Utd, on the other hand, remain keen, and the appointment of Michael Carrick as interim head coach has only strengthened the appreciation for him. Carrick was in charge of Boro until last summer and witnessed Hackney's progress firsthand.
It is no secret that Man Utd are desperate to reshuffle their midfield this year, although it is still unclear whether they will make a signing this month or keep their powder dry until the summer.
Hackney bidding war expected
Fabrizio Romano has hinted that the Red Devils could bring their summer plans forward if market opportunities present themselves. Despite his interim tag, Carrick is firmly involved in recruitment meetings.
However, it is doubtful that Hackney will be attainable mid-season. Boro are in a promotion battle and do not want to lose their star midfielder under any circumstances. He has been crucial for them, notching four goals and six assists across all competitions.
His €35 million price tag is deemed too high by some suitors, but it would still make him significantly cheaper than some of Man Utd's other targets. Ultimately, though, it is thought that a January move is unlikely.
In the summer, it will be a different story. A Premier League bidding war is expected for Hackney, and Man Utd could be fully involved as they are not merely planning to add one midfielder.
If they can secure one of their top targets, they will then likely have to pursue a cheaper player for their second reinforcement, which is where Hackney could come into play.
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