[5] Hanley played for junior club Fletcher Moss Rangers before signing with the Manchester United academy in 2004.
[6] He initially struggled with injuries,[citation needed] but went on to play a successful role in the club's run in the 2011–12 FA Youth Cup, scoring in the semi-final against Burnley and playing both legs of the final against Chelsea in the centre of midfield as his side lost 4–1 on aggregate.
[3] Hanley made his senior debut for Northampton as a 57th minute substitute for JJ Hooper in a 3–0 home defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on 30 August 2016, in an EFL Trophy group stage match.
[17] On 28 April 2019, after a little over one month at Connah's Quay Nomads, Hanley moved to National League North side Chorley until the end of the season.
[18][19] Hanley joined National League North club Hereford on 2 August 2019 after a successful trial period.
[24] He made his debut and won the club's supporter-nominated man of the match in a 2–0 victory against Skelmersdale United on the day of his signing.
[32] He made one appearance at the tournament, playing the entire match as his side lost 5–0 to Jamaica in the group stage.