Middlesbrough, like several other Championship clubs, may lose their key players after missing out on promotion to the Premier League.

Borough had a turbulent campaign on numerous fronts, with managerial changes and Spygate ruining what was otherwise a promising season on Teesside.

Ultimately, Kim Hellberg’s side fell just short of promotion to the top division after suffering a late defeat in the play-off final, as Oli McBurnie’s stoppage-time strike propelled Hull City to the top.

Middlesbrough are already resigned to losing one of their great players, and it appears that their previous manager, Michael Carrick, will play a key role in moving him to Manchester United.

Michael Carrick pushes Hayden Hackney agenda during Manchester United meetings.

Hayden Hackney has been linked with a move away from Borough in the past, but following another successful season at the Riverside Stadium, it appears that his time in the Premier League has come to an end.

The 23-year-old was chosen to the Championship Team of the Season for his contributions this season despite missing the final eight regular-season games due to injury.

In addition to his overall game, Middlesbrough’s captain increased his league stats by scoring five goals and assisting eight times, his greatest season totals.

Man United are now prepared to enter the battle for the midfielder, with Carrick leading the way, according to the Northern Echo.

They write that Hackney is regarded as a long-term investment, and his old manager is said to have pushed his claims at post-season recruitment talks.

According to the publication, Crystal Palace and Tottenham are poised to make formal bids for the Redcar-born ace, while Everton has also been connected with him.

Why Carrick has the trump card to land Middlesbrough’s Hackney

It goes without saying, but considering Carrick’s history with Borough and Hackney, he is undoubtedly in the driver’s seat to sign his former star.

United’s new manager spent little over two and a half years in Teesside, overseeing the midfielder’s development from a promising young prospect to the club’s main man.

While the 44-year-old was fired by Middlesbrough last summer, he maintains a positive relationship with the club and has always talked well of them, which should make business easier.

Given Hackney’s quality and promise, there is understandably a lot of interest in him, so making the correct next step is critical for his growth as a player, and what better place to establish yourself than at a Champions League team with your previous boss.

Hackney should consider playing time, since if he moves to Old Trafford, he will most certainly have to spend a significant amount of time on the bench before receiving a regular look at first-team duty.

For United, the central-midfielder would be a cheaper alternative than some of the other choices they are considering, but because it is Manchester United, they would most likely have to pay a premium for the Championship player.

While both parties must evaluate various factors, if Carrick truly wants his guy, it appears that his club only needs to give the go-ahead to make it happen.