5 goals, 7 assists: Man Utd must sign £20m midfielder who thrived under Carrick in 104 games

Manchester United are preparing for a major midfield overhaul in what could be a defining summer transfer window.

Casemiro is set to head for the Old Trafford exit door after his contract expires at the end of June.

INEOS are also expected to part ways with Manuel Ugarte after two turbulent seasons.

That would leave Kobbie Mainoo as the only senior central midfielder in the current squad.

It is becoming increasingly clear that United want to sign at least two new midfielders this summer.

Elliot Anderson, Ederson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Aurelien Tchouameni, Joao Gomes and Alex Scott are all believed to be on their shortlist.

However, we believe it may be time for the Red Devils to think outside the box and pursue Middlesbrough sensation Hayden Hackney.

Hayden Hackney could be a sensational signing

Players who have played for the biggest teams or those carrying massive transfer fees naturally attract more media attention and fan excitement.

INEOS completed the revamp of their attack last summer and are already reaping the rewards.

They must now repeat that same process in midfield.

Anderson and Wharton would be outstanding additions, but together they could cost United a staggering £180 million-£200 million.

Hackney could prove to be the ideal holding midfielder and may cost as little as £20m.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant campaign at Middlesbrough and was deservedly named the EFL Championship Player of the Year.

Despite playing in a deeper role, he has still scored five goals and provided seven assists in the league this season.

He has also recorded an impressive 86.5 per cent passing accuracy and creates more than two chances per game.

There is still room for improvement in his defensive contributions, but he has all the tools to develop into a complete midfielder.

INEOS are reportedly considering appointing Michael Carrick as the permanent manager after his inspirational work over the last three months.

Carrick played a major role in developing Hackney during his managerial spell at Middlesbrough.

The young Englishman made 104 appearances under the former United midfielder and registered 18 goal contributions.

If Carrick lands the full-time job, he should urge United to take a calculated gamble on Hackney.

Stats from Fotmob.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .