‘Exemplary’ talent loved by Michael Carrick is ideal Eriksen replacement, he starred as Man Utd scouts watched

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Manchester United are set to have a big summer transfer window in 2025, and should dip into the Championship to do so.

Ineos‘ overhaul has already begun, with the business conducted in January laying the groundwork for impressive business to be done in the summer.

Manchester United sent three first-team players on loan, with Marcus Rashford and Tyrell Malacia having options in their loans to remain permanently if the clubs choose.

Antony’s loan is a straight loan, but after an impressive debut for Real Betis there will be hopes he plays his way into a lucrative summer deal for Manchester United.

This will only be the start, with United only considering six players unsellable in 2025. One player almost certain to go this summer is Christian Eriksen and the perfect replacement is clear.

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Hayden Hackney should be on Manchester United’s list for 2025

Eriksen is coming to the end of his United career with his contract set to expire in June.

Ruben Amorim looks likely to axe Eriksen in the summer, which will leave United in need of a new creative midfielder option.

Hayden Hackney is the player who we would choose for this role, one of the Championship’s very best. Hackney has been on United’s radar for over a year, as he learns under Old Trafford legend, Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough.

Since this time, Hackney has grown as a player and is now at the point where he could be a smart signing for Ineos to complete – after Porto had a January bid rejected for him.

United would be signing Hackney while his value is low, but it would almost certainly increase immediately. Hackney has been impressive this season, with his best display coming against Sunderland when United scouted Chris Rigg.

United scouts will have been impressed as he scored and assisted, but over the course of the season, the midfielder has been establishing himself as a gem.

Hayden Hackney stats compared with 14 next-best leagues (outside the big five)

As seen, Hackney is among the best in the division and United could get a real bargain with £10m not quite enough, but an increased offer could tempt the Boro.

What Michael Carrick has said about Hayden Hackney

With United set to sign a number of players in the summer, Hackney could very well find himself on the list.

If interest re-emerges, Carrick will be able to give United the lowdown on the 22-year-old, as the United legend has raved about Hackney in the past.

“You couldn’t ask for much more from Hayden,” said Boro’s boss as quoted by the Northern Echo.

“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.

“Hayden certainly does that. He’s been exemplary really since I’ve been here and I really enjoy working with him. He’s desperate for more, desperate to learn, and he’s a real credit to his family, to himself and to the club.”