Tottenham Hotspur set to battle Man United in the race to sign English midfielder – Report | OneFootball

Man Utd and Tottenham Track Hayden Hackney as Fulham Left Behind

Rising Stock in Championship Midfield

Hayden Hackney’s rapid progression has caught the attention of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, with Fulham’s interest arriving too late in the race, according to TeamTalk. The 23-year-old has been pivotal for Middlesbrough, delivering consistency and maturity that belies his years.

Hackney’s current season continues the strong form of the past 12 months. With one goal and two assists already in a campaign that has seen Boro surge four points clear at the top of the Championship after eight matches, his stock is climbing quickly. Fulham, managed by Marco Silva, had identified him as a potential target, but insiders suggest the optimum time for a mid-table Premier League club to have struck a deal has already passed.

Big Clubs Move Ahead

Both Tottenham and United have kept close tabs on Hackney and could step up their interest in 2026. A midfielder with versatility, vision and the ability to control tempo is naturally of interest to clubs with European ambitions. Hackney signed a new contract in June 2023 that runs until 2027, which places Boro in a strong position, but long-term retention will depend on the size of bids that come their way.

Michael Carrick, who managed Hackney at Boro, provided glowing testimony about his attitude and development. Speaking to The Northern Echo, Carrick said: “You couldn’t ask for much more from Hayden. He’s grounded, he’s humble, he’s down to earth and loves to learn. He loves the place and he loves the club as well.”

Photo IMAGO

Character and Potential

Carrick went further, underlining what separates Hackney from others at his age. “There is a level of talent out there in and around football and sometimes it might not be that different player to player, but levels can be jumped, or not, if your head is not in the right place and you don’t go about your business in the right way and treat your profession with respect. Hayden certainly does that. He’s been exemplary really since I’ve been here and I really enjoy working with him.”

Photo IMAGO

Hackney’s 122 first-team appearances for Middlesbrough, alongside 11 goals and 11 assists, mark him out as more than a promising academy product. He is already a leader in his team, and those qualities appeal to elite clubs searching for sustainable midfield options.

Future Possibilities

For Middlesbrough, the task is to resist pressure until at least January, knowing full well that stronger bids will come. For Hackney, the opportunity is clear: maintain consistency, grow his reputation, and position himself for a move to one of England’s biggest clubs.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Spurs, Hackney is precisely the kind of signing the club has historically overlooked but should not. The midfield needs reinforcement, with creativity and energy in equal measure. Hackney’s attributes fit the system Thomas Frank is shaping, and supporters would be encouraged to see the club invest in homegrown talent with long-term potential. His grounding at Middlesbrough, combined with his steady temperament, would resonate with fans who value both character and ability.

For Manchester United, the appeal is different but equally strong. The midfield has lacked balance for years, swinging between marquee signings and short-term fixes. Hackney represents the type of player who could provide stability and grow under the right guidance. The Carrick connection adds a romantic element, a midfielder once admired at Old Trafford now endorsing a player who could tread the same path. United supporters would likely see Hackney as someone who could embody the work ethic and professionalism that has sometimes been missing in the squad.

Both fanbases would share one concern: timing. If Tottenham and United hesitate, Hackney’s value will rise beyond reach, and Fulham’s failure to act quickly serves as a warning. For supporters of the two giants, Hackney looks like an investment worth making sooner rather than later.