Hayden Hackney would be foolish to pick Man United, Everton are the correct choice
Hayden Hackney has been linked with a move to Manchester United amid interest from Everton and several other clubs.
The Red Devils have reportedly entered the race for the 23-year-old, who will almost certainly leave Middlesbrough this summer after they missed out on promotion.
The England youth international enjoyed a brilliant season in the Championship and was named EFL Player of the Season in April.
Hackney was injured in March and missed the remainder of the season, with Middlesbrough’s season falling apart without him.
Everton transfer chiefs would have been pleased to see him briefly return off the bench in the play-off final, before Hull City and Oli McBurnie broke Boro hearts at Wembley Stadium.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBEverton should be Hayden Hackney’s choice
Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Hackney’s departure is almost inevitable this summer, after Middlesbrough missed out on promotion.
Everton and Man United will be among the most interested clubs, but certainly not alone, with the 23-year-old’s future a hot topic this summer.
| Hayden Hackney | Stats – Championship 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 38 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Chances created | 83 |
| Successful dribbles | 54 |
| Fouls won | 49 |
| Tackles | 68 |
| Recoveries | 205 |
| Duels won | 186 |
Hackney is excellent on the ball and superb in the duel, well and truly representing the definition of the all-action midfielder.
With a move to Man United, there is the obvious attraction of a reunion with Michael Carrick. The midfielder spent almost three seasons under him, and first began to flourish under his watch.
But a move to Old Trafford would be foolish. Casemiro has left, but there are strong links to Mateus Fernandes, Ederson looks set to join from Atalanta in the coming days, and Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo do not look to be going anywhere.
While Man United will have more games next season, Hackney will be forced to spend the campaign waiting on the bench for his opportunities.
🔴 There's a lengthening list of teams interested in #Boro's Hayden Hackney this summer – and Michael Carrick wants to make sure #MUFC are right at the front of the queue…
— Scott Wilson (@Scottwilsonecho) June 1, 2026
Read here…⬇️https://t.co/lcXfYxY7uy
At Everton, on the other hand, the midfielder will have access to an experienced and brilliant mind in David Moyes, while 36-year-old Idrissa Gana Gueye would be the established option ahead of him.
Everton’s midfield situation assessed
James Garner is the rock in Everton’s midfield and should not be going anywhere this summer, despite some interest growing.
The real question is about his partner, who is currently Gueye. As the Senegal international begins to slow down, there are several candidates to succeed him.
Hayden Hackney has been named Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season 🥇
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) April 19, 2026
Huge congrats to one of our own. Well deserved, Hayden 👏 pic.twitter.com/OBzlLcB4uy
Harrison Armstrong was recalled in January after a strong loan at Preston North End, but may need another spell away, while Tim Iroegbunam shows incredible desire in the tackle but not enough composure on the ball.
Merlin Rohl broke back into the team at the end of the season and was impressive, yet there still remains a sense that Moyes does not see him there for the long-term.
It would appear that there is a perfect opportunity for Hackney to slide right into that position, should he decide to.
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