Hayden Hackney explains what ex-Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick did after he was sacked, ‘it was nice’

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Middlesbrough head into next season as an unknown entity as their hunt for a new manager continues.

Michael Carrick was sacked on Wednesday after nearly three years in charge of Boro, with his side’s failure to secure a play-off position for the second time in two years proving enough for Steve Gibson to hand him his P45.

Now, attention turns to finding a replacement, with Rob Edwards a potential successor to Carrick. However, Middlesbrough look unlikely to bring Steve Cooper to the Riverside while supporters are split on whether Aitor Karanka should return to Teesside.

Nevertheless, there will be plenty of change at Boro in the coming weeks and months, and the players themselves will need time to adapt to their next manager after forming great connections with their former boss over the years.

• READ MORE – Ex-Newcastle United player speaks out on prospect of replacing Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough

Hayden Hackney reveals what Michael Carrick told him after he was sacked by Middlesbrough

Hayden Hackney has come on leaps and bounds under Carrick since the former Manchester United midfielder arrived in the north-east in October 2022.

The 22-year-old has been a crucial cog in the machine at Middlesbrough, and he has developed fantastically under the tutelage of the 43-year-old. Now, he has spoken out about what his now ex-manager did after he was sacked.

Hackney said (via: The Sun): “I found out Thursday I was in the squad and told my mum and dad and yeah I was buzzing. But also, yeah I was gutted about Michael Carrick to be honest. He’s done loads for me.

“He put his trust in me to play the majority of games and helped me so much with everything really. I can’t thank him enough for that. I text him straight away wishing him all the best in the future and he replied wishing me good luck for going away with England. It was nice.

“It’s probably the first manager that I’ve lost and I just wanted to thank him for everything. But now a new guy will come in, whoever that may be, and as a squad we’ll go from there.”

• READ MORE – How much Steve Gibson would have to pay Sheffield Wednesday to bring Danny Rohl to Middlesbrough

Hayden Hackney is at a crucial point in his career

With the transfer window open, Middlesbrough know that they have a huge task on their hands this summer to ensure that they do not lose their key players such as Hackney.

At the start of May, it was reported by Lyall Thomas that Porto are set to renew their interest in the midfielder this summer after pushing to sign him in January. While no offer has come in yet, Boro will be aware of the situation with Stuttgart and Premier League sides also keeping a keen eye on the 22-year-old.

Therefore, it is crucial that Middlesbrough bring in the right replacement for Carrick. Hackney will need someone who he knows can help develop him and take him to where he needs to be to succeed in his career.

If they fail to bring in an exciting new manager, there will be a chance that their young ace departs as Boro prepare their transfer plans.