Young United target described as “on another planet” weighs up options as rivals join race – report

It is about time Manchester United made their intentions regarding Hayden Hackney clear.

Not long ago, The Peoples Person relayed reports suggesting the United midfield target had been given the green light to leave Middlesbrough for around £20 million.

While many assumed INEOS would jump at the chance to sign the athletic midfielder admired by Ruben Amorim, they did not.

Perhaps all focus was on Bryan Mbeumo. But as they delay formalising their approach for the UEFA European Under-21 winner, league rivals are beginning to circle.

League rivals muscle in on Hackney chase

According to Give Me Sport, Everton are firmly in the mix.

Yet despite that interest, the Merseyside outfit are still unsure how best to approach the transfer battle and come out on top.

“The Toffees have acknowledged that they are at risk of being dragged into a bidding war if they opt to up the ante in their pursuit,” GMS writes, “and are now carefully considering how to win the race for an agreement.”

Everton’s potential willingness to go all out for Hackney should set alarm bells ringing at Old Trafford.

With Mbeumo now secured and that particular saga concluded, INEOS may finally be open-minded about new opportunities in the market.

Fortunately for the Red Devils, the Hackney race remains wide open. “Hackney is currently weighing up his options after deciding he is prepared to move on to pastures new,” the report adds, following Middlesbrough’s failure to earn promotion last season.

A perfect midfield opportunity

While the 23-year-old may also favour a move abroad, United cannot afford to miss out.

Hackney could inject precisely what Amorim demands from a central midfielder: elite ball progression.

According to Scouted, the young Englishman is so much an outlier for progressive actions that they describe him as “one on another planet.”

Should United land Hackney, it would align with their recruitment strategy, focusing on high-potential talents as they pursue Premier League glory by 2028.

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social