Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has not been pleased with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, which is why the duo’s minutes have drastically reduced since he took over.
The Dane started nine times under former manager Erik ten Hag but has managed only five since the Portuguese walked through the doors with his last league start coming more than a month ago.
As for the Brazilian, he made a cameo off the bench against FCSB, his first appearance in over a month with Amorim making it clear that he felt the five-time Champions League winner no longer possesses the intensity required to play regularly.
Both the Denmark international and former Real Madrid superstar were linked with exits in the winter but nothing materialised in the end but they are unlikely to be at the club beyond the current campaign.
United eyeing Hackney
The Red Devils are scouring the Championship for possible midfield replacements with Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham named as potential options with the club’s scouts in attendance for Sunderland’s game against Middlesbrough.
Even though the duo were looked at, it was Boro’s Hayden Hackney who got himself on the scoresheet from midfield while also registering an assist and he has been a long-term target for the 20-time English league champions.
As per Givemesport, United failed to tempt Middlesbrough into selling their talisman in January but a summer approach is expected with the Old Trafford side hoping Michael Carrick will be open to allowing the 22-year-old to join his former club.
Another of Carrick’s former clubs Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race and a tug-of-war is expected to ensue for the England U21 international once the current campaign ends, especially if Boro fail to get promoted.
Hackney has five goals and two assists from 28 games in all competitions and he primarily excels as a defensive midfielder but can also play further forward if required.
Spurs vs United for Boro star
“Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are threatening to go head-to-head for the signing of Hayden Hackney in the summer as the Middlesbrough star has remained on the radar of recruitment chiefs at Old Trafford and Hotspur Way, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
“Manchester United and Tottenham could make a summer move for Hackney after being unable to tempt Middlesbrough into sanctioning his departure during the winter transfer window, according to GMS sources, and they stand a chance of winning the race for his signature by lodging a bid in the region of £20 million.”
“GMS sources have been told that Middlesbrough are expecting the clamour for Hackney’s services to grow between now and the summer, meaning Manchester United and Tottenham are in danger of facing extensive competition for an agreement if they choose to formalise their interest with a bid later this year.”
It would reportedly take only £20 million to secure his services, a cakewalk for either English giant if they seriously decide to pursue Hackney. But a lot more sides could enter the fray and potentially end up in a bidding war which could suit Boro.
It is good to see United finally look at the Championship to secure top, young talent with many other sides far ahead in the game.
The English second division is a breeding ground for young talent and INEOS are slowly, but surely getting the recruitment game spot on.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
