Report: Michael Carrick wants Man United to sign English midfielder

Key Highlights

• Under Michael Carrick, the midfielder matured into a central figure, and his development has continued under Kim Hellberg.
• Three goals and six assists in 26 Championship appearances underline both productivity and influence, but his value to Boro goes beyond numbers.
• He is integral to a promotion push, and club sources are clear they do not want a repeat of last winter’s decision to sell Emmanuel Latte Lath, a move they admit “impacted them”. Championship form driving Premier League interestMiddlesbrough’s stance is robust.
• Sitting second in the Championship, they see little incentive to weaken mid-season.
• Hackney, 23, is viewed internally as a cornerstone, and the £30million valuation reflects not only talent but leverage.