Manchester United are determined to sign Hayden Hackney: Will he be Bruno Fernandes' successor, or is it a risky gamble?

Manchester United are closely monitoring Hayden Hackney, the Middlesbrough star, in search of a worthy successor to Bruno Fernandes. The 23-year-old midfielder is considered one of the most promising talents in the Championship, attracting attention from a number of big clubs such as Tottenham, Everton and Fulham.

The most versatile midfielder in the Championship.

Hayden Hackney's performance in Middlesbrough's recent 4-0 victory over QPR reaffirmed his position in the English Championship. According to data from SciSports, Hackney is currently the highest-rated central midfielder in the league. While his statistics of 4 goals and 6 assists in 34 games aren't exactly explosive, his influence on the team's overall play is undeniable.

Shaped as a box-to-box midfielder, Hackney perfectly combines deep-lying playmaking with ball-winning ability. His greatest strengths lie in his speed, stamina, and excellent dribbling skills. Coach Kim Hellberg has emphasized that Hackney's dribbling ability is his most potent weapon, alongside his efforts to improve his finishing skills.

Similarities with Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United's desire for Hackney stems from his playing style, which shares many similarities with captain Bruno Fernandes. Technical reports indicate that Hackney is among the top scorers in the Championship in 5 out of 6 core attacking skills: passing, crossing, dribbling, finishing, and positioning. His ability to create breakthroughs from midfield makes him a potential backup and successor to the Red Devils' current stars.

However, this risky style of play also has certain limitations. Hackney often struggles to keep possession of the ball safely, and his defensive statistics aren't particularly impressive. This is because his primary role is focused entirely on carrying the ball and organizing attacks forward.

Questions arise about the possibility of reaching the Premier League.

Despite dominating the lower leagues, the question of whether Hackney can shine in the Premier League remains a subject of debate. At 24, his lack of experience against top-level opponents has led data analysts to be cautious. SciSports' current rating puts him at 76.7, a significant gap compared to Mason Mount's 93.3 – the lowest-rated midfielder at Manchester United currently.

Hackney's maximum potential is projected to reach 92.7. This is a promising figure, but it doesn't guarantee immediate success in a demanding environment like Old Trafford. With a valuation of around €22.3 million, Middlesbrough will certainly demand a higher price if MU wants to finalize this deal.

Notably, career analysis tools suggest Leeds is the most suitable destination for Hackney's style, with a compatibility score of 84. However, the Michael Carrick factor could change everything. If the former Manchester United star is appointed to the coaching staff at Old Trafford, his understanding of his former Middlesbrough pupil would be key to Hackney's quick integration into the Red Devils' system.