Manchester United continue their search for a permanent manager, with newly appointed manager Michael Carrick set to take charge until the end of the season.
Niko Kovac has been linked with Manchester United (Image: Max Maiwald/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Niko Kovac has emerged as a new name on Manchester United’s shortlist to be their next manager, with the Borussia Dortmund manager open to a move to the Premier League. Despite Michael Carrick’s dream start as interim manager at the club, United continue their search for a new permanent manager after sacking Ruben Amorim this month.
England manager Thomas Tuchel and Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi are thought to be at the top of the Red Devils’ shortlist. However, United are also considering other options, with 54-year-old Kovac reportedly one of them.
The German-born manager is celebrating his first year in charge at Dortmund and is averaging more than two goals per game. As a player, Kovac earned 83 caps for Croatia and also coached Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolfsburg, Monaco and the Croatian national team, as well as the Under-21 team.
According to Sky Germany, United have inquired about Kovac’s situation and are aware that his ultimate goal is to work in the Premier League, despite having turned down an approach from Tottenham in 2021. The Dortmund manager added that he has a relationship with United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Wivel.
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Chelsea are said to have considered Kovac when they parted ways with Enzo Maresca earlier this month. Dortmund are second in the Bundesliga and 10th in the Champions League, but the 54-year-old is not doing himself any harm.
His realistic style of play, which has been criticized in Germany, is said to be well received by English clubs. Kovac is committed to Dortmund, who hired him in February last year and offered him a contract extension until June 2027 four months later.
Kovac is in London to prepare for Dortmund’s Champions League clash with Tottenham. Meanwhile, United are planning their next move.
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Niko Kovac averages more than two goals per game for Borussia Dortmund (Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Carrick will remain in charge until May and began his tenure with a 2-0 home win over Manchester City on Saturday. The Red Devils face Arsenal on Sunday in what is expected to be another tough test.
United’s aim is to finish in the Champions League and if they can achieve that, Carrick would certainly be a candidate for the position. In addition to Tuchel and De Zerbi, the likes of Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva have also been rumored.
The trio are all in the final six months of their contracts with Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Fulham respectively. Dortmund, on the other hand, will demand compensation if United want to sign Kovac.
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