Carrick’s dream reunion with midfield metronome in jeopardy as Brighton near agreement – report

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 The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!