Man Utd ‘snubbed for Everton’ as Carrick denied dream summer transfer | Football | Sport
Michael Carrick could be set to miss out on one of his preferred targets for the summer transfer window. Carrick was handed the Manchester United job on a full-time basis last month, having impressed during his five-month stint as interim.
The ex-England international oversaw a turnaround at Old Trafford and dragged the Red Devils back into the Champions League qualification spots. In the end, United had room to spare, with the 20-time champions finishing a comfortable third in the table.
As such, not only was Carrick rewarded with the full-time job, but it’s also expected that he’ll be backed handsomely in the transfer window. One of the positions United are keen to improve in is central midfield, with a mini-overhaul expected in that department.
But a target who would’ve fit the bill looks likely to go elsewhere, with The Athletic claiming that Everton are leading the race to sign Hayden Hackney. The midfield general has impressed at Middlesbrough and was crucial in their run to the play-off final this season.
In the end, it wasn’t to be, as Hull City triumphed in the Wembley showpiece, meaning Middlesbrough were forced to lick their wounds. However, Hackney is still fancied to earn himself a big-money move when the transfer window rolls around, with Premier League clubs having been keeping tabs on the 23-year-old.
Everton currently appear most likely to snatch the youngster’s signature, which could come as a blow to Carrick. Granted, Hackney was unlikely to be United’s marquee signing this summer, but such is the work they have to do to their midfield, he would’ve been a sensible pick up.
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Not least because Carrick is well accustomed to what Hackney can offer, given the two of them were together when he was in charge of Middlesbrough. Speaking when Carrick left the Teesiders, Hackney told The Sun: “I was gutted about Michael Carrick to be honest.
“He’s done loads for me. He put his trust in me to play the majority of games and helped me so much with everything really. I can’t thank him enough for that.
“I text him straight away wishing him all the best in the future and he replied wishing me good luck for going away with England. It was nice. It’s probably the first manager that I’ve lost and I just wanted to thank him for everything. But now a new guy will come in, whoever that may be, and as a squad, we’ll go from there.”
