"Sink or swim" - Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney urged to push for Man United move after Ipswich Town snub | OneFootball

FLW's Middlesbrough fan pundit has given his verdict on Hayden Hackney potentially joining Manchester United

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Hayden Hackney’s Middlesbrough future is up in the air after he turned down a potential move to Ipswich Town.

It was reported by The Northern Echo over the weekend that the midfielder was not convinced by the Tractor Boys to make the switch to Portman Road.

It had been reported by GiveMeSport last week that Manchester United were considering an approach to hijack Ipswich’s move for the 23-year-old.

However, it remains to be seen whether a move will come to fruition at this stage, with four weeks now remaining in the market.

Hayden Hackney urged to pursue Man United move

When asked if an approach from Man United would be welcome, FLW’s Middlesbrough fan pundit Liam Day claimed he'd love to see Hackney move to Old Trafford.

While he thinks a move to Ipswich would be a good next step for the player, he’d love to see him compete at a club the size of the Red Devils instead.

“There’s no chance he turns down a move to Old Trafford,” Day told Football League World.

“I do think it is mainly just agent talk, if we’re being realistic.

“I’d be hoping [Man United] make a move, I really want him to go to a Premier League club, I’d love to see how he does.

“Especially at a big club like Man United, the pressure’s on him then.

“It’s sink or swim when you go to a club like that, and I hope he can get an opportunity to do that.

“Ipswich will be up there, it would've been a good move for him, but I would love to see him in the Premier League.

“I did say when Marcus Tavernier left, it’s so good to see players go on and move, especially when you see them come from the academy.

“And Hackney being a local lad, I really want him to go to a big club.

“Man United would offer him that, he’d get the pressure, he’d get a good opportunity and I hope he makes that move.”

Man United switch must be tempting for Hayden Hackney if the opportunity arises

It remains uncertain just how interested Man United are in Hackney at this stage, but it could be a factor in why the player turned down a move to Ipswich.

The midfielder could also just be holding out for any Premier League move, as a switch to Portman Road is only a minor step up to a top end Championship side at this stage.

While the Suffolk outfit may be able to offer top flight football next year, that is not guaranteed just yet, so waiting until the end of the window for interest from a club like Man United makes some sense.

A move to the top division would also be quite deserved, and the chance to sign for the Manchester outfit in particular could be very tempting, even with their disappointing slump in form last season.