Man United are ‘aware’ of £25m midfielder praised for his ‘remarkable’ work rate

One of the young options under evaluation is Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney. United in Focus recently profiled the Middlesbrough prospect as a potential fit for Amorim.

The midfielder is already well known by a number of people in and around Old Trafford, having made great strides under former Red Devils midfielder Michael Carrick at Boro.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told UIF that United’s recruitment staff are well aware of Hackney’s rise, with several club officials quietly impressed by his recent progress.

Hayden Hackney could solve Ruben Amorim’s midfield needs

Hackney may just be 23, but he is already an energetic and composed presence in midfield, adaptable in both defensive and ball-carrying roles.

The Athletic have stated that the way Hackney covers ground is “remarkable” – a key attribute given Ruben Amorim’s demands for greater physicality – and he is signed to ICM Stellar, the same agency that represents Jarrad Branthwaite.

The England Under-21 international has three years left to run on his contract at the Riverside but, while a move to any top club would be difficult to turn down, he is thought to be happy playing under Carrick for the time being.

But since Carrick gave Hackney his debut, it’s clear that he attributes a lot of his development to the former United legend.

There is no doubt that United need to sign more young players coming up from the lower leagues and at just 23, Hackney is still only just getting started.

However, there is still interest from other Premier League clubs and at this stage, United have not been in touch over a potential move.

According to FootballLeagueWorld, Hackney’s market value is around £15-£25m this summer, a bargain for such potential.