Several clubs, including Manchester United, have expressed interest in Hackney's services. Given his connection to Michael Carrick, who oversaw his development at Middlesbrough, it's not surprising that United might be interested in bringing him to Old Trafford.
Hackney has spent his entire career at Middlesbrough, aside from a brief loan to Scunthorpe United in the 2021/22 season. At 5ft 10in, he's physically capable, but it's his vision and creativity that set him apart in the English second tier.
He excels at driving at opposition defences and has a high number of take-ons, with 128 in the 2025/26 season. Of those, 57 were successful, just one behind Callum Brittain's total of 58.
