Manchester United are considering making a summer swoop for an “exemplary” young midfielder who is loved by one of the club’s former stars, according to a new report.
Amorim impressed by Man Utd youngsters as Heaven shines on debut
United put in a solid performance over the weekend by holding rivals Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, egding themselves further away from the bottom three and all but ending the Gunners’ title hopes.
The Red Devils took the lead on the day through a superb Bruno Fernandes free-kick just after the break, but they were punished by Declan Rice for not putting the game to bed as they forced several impressive saves out of David Raya.
While Fernandes received much of the plaudits for his role in the draw, head coach Ruben Amorim was also impressed with young defender Ayden Heaven, who signed from Arsenal in a path also trodden by Chido Obi-Martin and came on as a second-half substitute against his former side to make his Premier League debut.
“I think he played really well,” Amorim said after the match. “He’s really comfortable with the ball, sometimes more than he should be! He is so relaxed and that is a good thing. He’s very aggressive. I think we have a very good player.”
Former Newcastle United star Alan Shearer was also impressed with Heaven’s display: “He looked comfortable, assured, and made a couple of important tackles and blocks.He did really well in the second half.”
United considering more young signings with Middlesbrough star on wishlist
The Red Devils could soon have another promising young player on their books in the form of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. According to GiveMeSport, United are considering making a move for the 22-year-old star if they fail to land some of their premium targets in the summer – Atalanta’s Ederson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
Adding a new player in the middle of the park is understood to be a priority for Amorim, who wants to move Fernandes into a more advanced role, and United see Hackney as someone who could fit the bill. Crystal Palace are thought to be the most interested party at the moment, but a club of United’s stature going for the England U-21 international ‘could shift the dynamic quickly’.
Stat (per 90)
Hackney
Rank vs CMs in similar leagues
Passes
80.66
98th percentile
Progressive passes
9.29
99th percentile
Shot-creating actions
4.03
87th percentile
Shots
1.29
61st percentile
Blocks
1.64
87th percentile
Middlesbrough are currently managed by former United midfielder Michael Carrick, who has been full of praise for Hackney since taking charge of the club in 2022. Back in March of last year, Carrick described Hackney as “exemplary,” praising both his attitude and talent.
“You couldn’t ask for much more from Hayden,” said the Boro boss. “He’s grounded, he’s humble, he’s down to earth and loves to learn. He loves the place and he loves the club as well.
“To have that, added with the talent he has got, it’s the perfect scenario. I think it just shows his consistency really, over a long period of time. It’s not easy when you’re a younger player, but he’s certainly done that.”
