United risk angering Carrick by ignoring glorious opportunity to sign 23-yo star he really likes – report

Manchester United’s summer revamp is undoubtedly centred around strengthening Michael Carrick’s midfield options as the new head coach heads into his first full campaign in charge at Old Trafford. With a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson appearing to be the first signing in the market, INEOS are clearly looking to get their business done as early as possible, with the World Cup making deals that little more difficult. A raft of names have been linked with joining the Brazilian in Manchester this summer, with United hoping to add another couple of stars to the engine room in the coming weeks. Championship starlet ruled out Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney is one of the players rumoured for a switch to the Theatre of Dreams, but new developments appear to have poured cold water on a dream move for the youngster. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, United have backed away from a potential deal, with the 23-year-old not on INEOS’ primary list of targets. Hackney enjoyed an outstanding season last time out, winning the Championship Player of the Year award and playing a key role in Boro’s promotion charge. The North East club were clearly weaker without Hackney, who missed a chunk of the run-in through injury, and despite returning to make a substitute appearance in the playoff final, Kim Hellberg’s side failed to get over the line against Hull City at Wembley. Given Carrick’s relationship with the player, it felt like a move to United could have been a real possibility, but it looks like Hackney will have to find his move to the Premier League elsewhere. Carrick would no doubt have relished the chance to further develop Hackney’s career after showing him so much trust during his time in the dugout at the Riverside Stadium. As per MEN’s report, Everton are currently hot favourites to sign the star, with Brighton & Hove Albion, Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Crystal Palace also showing a keen interest. Shopping to continue With Hackney seemingly scratched off the list, INEOS will continue their search for the perfect combination of players to solve the obvious issues in the middle of the park, with wheels turning across Europe with regards to transfers. West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes feels like the most obvious one to keep an eye on at the moment, but United fans are desperate for that marquee signing that could change the game at Old Trafford. With Manchester City currently winning the race for dream option Elliot Anderson’s signature, it leaves the likes of Sandro Tonali and Aurélien Tchouaméni as the high-profile potential incomings. However, there is clearly still much to do for INEOS before either of those names start turning into a reality, with both selling clubs naturally demanding huge fees for their star men. With plenty of moving parts in play across Europe, it typically takes one big move to kick the window into life and INEOS must make sure they are suitably prepared to make their move when the time comes. 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 Conner Botterill Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for three years. A lifelong red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology through the Open University. His favourite match attended was the unforgettable night in Paris in 2019 under the guidance of one of his idols, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.