Manchester United are considering moves for Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney and Southampton's Shea Charles as lower-cost midfield reinforcements, according to reports. The Red Devils are expected to sign a high-profile central midfielder to replace outgoing Casemiro but are also looking at affordable alternatives from the Championship.
Hackney, 23, was named Championship Player of the Season last month and has been a regular under Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough. His contract runs until 2027, but with Boro yet to secure promotion, a summer sale is likely if they remain in the second tier. Tottenham, Leeds and Everton are also tracking the midfielder.
Charles, 22, came through Manchester City's academy and made one Premier League appearance before joining Southampton in July 2023. He has since earned 32 caps for Northern Ireland and is under contract until 2027. Manchester United's director of football Jason Wilcox, who previously worked with Charles at City and Southampton, is familiar with his abilities.
Both players would require time to develop into Premier League regulars but could provide squad depth behind a marquee signing. United are also linked with expensive targets such as Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, and Bournemouth's Alex Scott, among others.
The club is expected to make several signings this summer, with club legend Gary Neville recently stating that two central midfielders and a centre-back are 'absolute unequivocals' in their transfer plans.
