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Ruben Amorim is clearly not impressed with the players at his disposal and wants the Manchester United owners to go out and recruit smartly in the summer.
Midfield is a major problem with Kobbie Mainoo reportedly set to depart while both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are unlikely to be at the club beyond the summer.
Given Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte’s absence, Bruno Fernandes has been forced to play in a deep-lying playmaker role but the head coach wants him to return to playing as an attacking midfielder from next season.
Which is why the club have drawn up a list of targets which includes the likes of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Atalanta ace Ederson.
Midfield targets
However, all three are also being chased by numerous top clubs and will cost a significant sum of money, something INEOS might not be in a position to pay given the club’s current financial condition.
Which is why, as revealed by Givemesport, they have lined up Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney as a backup should they fail to land one of their intended targets.
The 22-year-old, described as “incredible“, he excels as a defensive midfielder but can also play further forward if required.
While Boro would ideally like to hold on to him for a bit longer, they will be powerless to stop the England U21 international from leaving if they cannot win promotion to the Premier League this season.
Currently, they are languishing in 10th position and United are ready to take advantage of their situation with a summer offer. Interestingly, Palace are in the lead as they are trying to find a replacement for Wharton, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar.
“Manchester United could make a move to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney if they fail to land some of their premium targets, while Crystal Palace are also interested, according to GIVEMESPORT sources.
Hackney, the perfect backup option
“Boro are expected to cash in on Hackney, who has been described as ‘incredible’, in the summer transfer window after a disappointing season, which sees them unlikely to gain promotion to the Premier League.
“GIVEMESPORT sources have confirmed that United could reignite their interest in the English midfielder. United are prioritising midfield reinforcements to allow Bruno Fernandes to return to a more advanced role next season.”
Hackney has a deal with Boro until 2027 and has a market value of €8 million. Whether United prioritise a deal for him in the summer or go after a high-value target remains to be seen.
He fits Amorim’s needs given he is currently in the 98th percentile for progressive passes and 95th percentile for progressive carries, which shows his ability with the ball (via fbref).
Amorim also wants a new striker as well as wingback while the goalkeeping situation is also something the head coach wants to address.
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