Carrick Pushes United to Land 'Next Declan Rice' as Berrada Lays Out Summer Blueprint

Manchester United's head coach Michael Carrick is championing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney as a priority signing, sources suggest.

The Red Devils enjoyed a stellar second half of the campaign under Carrick, ultimately securing third place in the Premier League and Champions League football for next term with games remaining. That qualification has unlocked additional transfer funds for the summer window.

The club's spending strategy centres on landing Atalanta's Ederson—a deal understood to be imminent—plus at least one further central midfielder, a left-back, and a left-winger. Additional moves for a centre-back and striker remain possible should finances stretch or the right opportunity materialise.

Midfield strengthening is the immediate focus, with the possibility of two more recruits following Ederson's expected July arrival. Carrick, who previously managed Hackney during his Middlesbrough tenure, is described as a 'long-standing admirer' of the midfielder—dubbed 'the next Declan Rice'—and is reportedly pressing the board to pursue him once other summer priorities are addressed.

Middlesbrough, fresh from their Championship play-off final defeat to Hull City, have yet to receive a formal bid for Hackney despite mounting speculation. Last summer, the club rejected an offer exceeding €20m (£17.3m) from another club for their Championship Player of the Season, viewing such figures as their negotiating floor.

Berrada Maps Out Transfer Approach

CEO Omar Berrada has outlined United's methodology for the window ahead, pledging to mirror the blueprint that served them well last summer.

"The template from last year will be replicated in many ways," Berrada told club media. "You always go into a window not knowing exactly how you'll emerge from it, but you have to be thoroughly prepared. You have to possess a clear plan. You have to identify precisely which positions require strengthening."

He continued: "We must remain agile and flexible, but we do have a clear plan. Jason Wilcox and his team are excellently positioned to execute it. Last season demonstrated a promising direction—we want to blend youth development with established Premier League performers and talented players thriving outside the league."

Berrada stressed the importance of long-term thinking: "It's straightforward. We have a plan. We know our investment capacity and must adhere to it. Sometimes we'll make an investment recognising it benefits us not just over two or three years, but the next decade."

Bruno Fernandes' Future Secured

On captain Bruno Fernandes, who expressed frustration over his contract situation last term, Berrada offered reassurance: "Bruno is a fantastic captain—absolutely fantastic. We'd like him to stay, of course. He's had an excellent season and, crucially, he's demonstrated what a superb leader he is.

"People don't witness what he contributes off the pitch, and he deserves considerable credit. He's earned the right to continue captaining us for the next two years and beyond. He's calm yet driven, and I'm confident he'll do everything necessary to ensure our success this season and beyond.

"When we assess the squad and our objectives over the coming years, Bruno possesses precisely the attributes, character, and club understanding we need to navigate the next phase of our journey."