Manchester United are intensifying their search for midfield reinforcements this summer, with two Championship stars emerging as cost-effective options on their radar. The Red Devils failed to secure a central midfielder last year, and with Casemiro's imminent departure, the need has become urgent.
Club Legend Calls for Major Overhaul
Club legend Gary Neville recently stated that Manchester United should aim for five or six signings this summer, identifying two central midfielders and a centre-back as absolute priorities. While high-profile targets like Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Bournemouth's Alex Scott, and Newcastle's Sandro Tonali have been mentioned, the club is also exploring more affordable alternatives.
Hayden Hackney: Championship Player of the Season
According to The Athletic, Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney is one of the players under consideration. The 23-year-old midfielder was named Championship Player of the Season last month and could still be playing Premier League football next season if Middlesbrough win promotion via the play-offs. Boro were initially eliminated by Southampton in the semi-finals but were reinstated after Southampton's expulsion due to the Spygate scandal. They now face Hull City in Saturday's final.
Hackney's contract runs until 2027, but if Middlesbrough fail to secure promotion, he is likely to be sold this summer. However, if they go up, they will hope to retain their captain, who has over 150 appearances for the club and has flourished under manager Michael Carrick. Tottenham, Leeds, and Everton have also been linked with Hackney.
Shea Charles: Manchester City Academy Graduate
The second target is Southampton's Shea Charles. The 22-year-old, who came through Manchester City's academy and made one Premier League appearance under Pep Guardiola, joined Southampton in July 2023. He has spent two seasons in the Championship as a regular and had a loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday. Charles also has 32 caps for Northern Ireland.
With Southampton set to remain in the Championship next season, they may consider selling Charles if a suitable bid arrives. Manchester United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, knows Charles well from their time together at Manchester City's academy and later at Southampton.
Development Potential
Both Hackney and Charles would require time to develop into Premier League players but are viewed as strong squad options if a first-choice starter is signed to replace Casemiro. Other midfield targets include Atalanta's Ederson, Bournemouth's Tyler Adams, and Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni.
