Hayden Hackney: Big update issued on Man United chase for midfielder | OneFootball

A significant update has emerged, throwing a spanner in the works in Manchester United’s pursuit of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.

Hackney interest

United are prioritising strengthening their midfield ranks as the summer window nears. With Casemiro set to leave and uncertainty surrounding the future of Manuel Ugarte, the club needs a minimum of two signings.

There have been suggestions that the Red Devils could look to acquire as many as three midfielders as they prepare to play Champions League football next season and potentially mount a title challenge.

While most transfer talk has centred on players like Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, and Ederson, a more affordable second tier of stars exists. These players would allow the club to complete multiple signings. Hackney falls in this category.

Voted the EFL Championship Player of the Season, Hackney has long been a target for United, with speculation intensifying following Michael Carrick’s appointment as Ruben Amorim’s successor. The pair worked together at Middlesbrough before Carrick’s exit in June 2025.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United remain favourites to snap up Hackney while Carrick is in the dugout. Another report claimed that Crystal Palace had designated Hackney their number one target, threatening to usurp United to his signature.

Football Insider have now given an update on the situation.

Hackney update

According to the news outlet, Newcastle have now entered the race for the 23-year-old, seeking to exploit United’s focus on alternative targets.

It’s said that Hackney leaving Middlesbrough this summer is “almost inevitable”, especially if the side fails to secure promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-off final against Hull City.

Football Insider add, “Newcastle are likely to have watched his progress this season, but with Brighton, Crystal Palace, Everton and Nottingham Forest all keeping tabs, the race for his signature is ‘wide open.'”

Brighton are understood to be close to striking a deal for Hackney, but the Englishman is spoilt for choice and hasn’t made a decision yet.

These developments will certainly not go unnoticed by United, who must now determine whether their pursuit of Hackney will be impacted. Hackney has made 38 Championship appearances this season, contributing five goals and eight assists.

Featured image George Wood via Getty Images

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