Manchester United are planning to make multiple changes to their midfield ahead of next season.
The club have confirmed that Casemiro will depart when his contract expires on June 30. He has already played his final game, according to manager Michael Carrick.
Manuel Ugarte’s future is also uncertain amid the lack of playing time in recent months. United could cut their losses on the Uruguayan amid interest from Napoli and Atletico.
Amidst this, The Athletic claim that United are looking at several midfield options. Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney is among the names on the Red Devils’ radar for the summer.
The 23-year-old has built his reputation as a progressive central midfielder, and The Athletic report that he is ‘well-liked’ by United as well as Carrick, who managed him at Boro.
Hackney will enter the final year of his Boro deal in July. He could be on his way out of the Riverside outfit even if they are promoted to the Premier League by beating Hull City in the play-off final.
Hackney would be a good bargain signing
The Englishman can operate as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder.
He has been sidelined for the last two months due to injury, but Boro manager Kim Hellberg has confirmed that he is fit ahead of Saturday’s play-off final against Hull at Wembley.
Boro have the opportunity to clinch top-flight promotion after a nine-year wait. Regardless of the outcome, it appears Hackney could pursue a bigger challenge away from the club.
The Telegraph have reported that he could be signed for £12 million with his contract expiring next year, but we believe the fee could be slightly higher towards £20 million if Boro are promoted.
Hackney would still be a good bargain signing for the Red Devils. He may not be a regular starter for the club, but would provide quality off the bench and could be used as a rotational player.
His Championship stats are quite good. He has completed 36 passes in the opposition half per game and has won an impressive five duels and two tackles on average with 5.4 recoveries.
He has also dazzled with his creativity in the final third. Hackney has chipped in with six goals and eight assists from 40 appearances for Middlesbrough across all competitions this season.
Carrick is expected to be announced as United’s permanent manager pretty soon. The chance to reunite with Carrick could persuade the Boro captain to move to Old Trafford this summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
