Manchester United have reportedly contacted a surprise manager candidate as the search for Ruben Amorim’s permanent successor gets into full swing. Michael Carrick has been appointed as interim manager of the Red Devils until the end of the season. He is not expected to take the job permanently and a new manager is expected to be appointed in the summer.
A number of big names are already rumored to be involved in the upcoming vacant seat at Old Trafford. Oliver Glassner, who will leave Crystal Palace at the end of this season, has been touted as an early favorite for the role. Luis Enrique, Roberto de Zerbi and Thomas Tuchel have also been mentioned in connection with the Red Devils.
However, it appears that a new candidate has emerged: Niko Kovac, who has been in charge of Borussia Dortmund since replacing Nuri Sahin in February last year.
According to Sky Sports, he is on United’s shortlist and the Red Devils have already approached him about signing him.
There is also the presence of Christopher Vibel, United’s director of recruitment, and the connection is said to be strong. Kovac’s name was also discussed within Chelsea before they decided to appoint Liam Rosenior as Enzo Maresca’s replacement.
He will be tied to Dortmund until the summer of 2027, so United will need to agree a remuneration package to lure him away from Signal Iduna Park ahead of next season.
The 54-year-old is said to be fully committed to his current role at Dortmund, but it has been suggested that a move to England is a definitive “desired goal” for his future.
Kovac insists he “can fully imagine” becoming a Premier League manager and hinted that he would be happy to entertain United if they came calling.
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham will target Thomas Frank if the north Londoners decide to sack him in the near future.
The latter is under huge pressure following the defeat to West Ham United at the weekend and will face Kovac when Dortmund travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday night.
However, no final decision has yet been made on the Dane’s future, and the long-term plan was always for him to lead Spurs through a ‘transitional period’.
