Manchester United are continuing their search for a permanent manager, with newly-appointed boss Michael Carrick only set to be in charge until the end of the season
Dortmund, Germany - November 22: head coach Niko Kovac of Borussia Dortmund looks on during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart at Signal Iduna Park on November 22, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Max Maiwald/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Niko Kovac has been linked with Manchester United(Image: Max Maiwald/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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Niko Kovac has emerged as a new name on Manchester United's shortlist for their next manager - and the Borussia Dortmund boss is open to moving to the Premier League. Despite Michael Carrick enjoying a dream start to life as the club's interim manager, United are continuing their search for a new permanent boss after sacking Ruben Amorim this month.
The two names at the top of the Red Devils' shortlist are understood to be England manager Thomas Tuchel and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi. But United are also looking at other options, with Kovac, 54, reportedly one of them.
The German-born coach is approaching his one-year anniversary at Dortmund, where he averages more than two points per game. Kovac, who was capped 83 times by Croatia as a player, has also managed Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolfsburg, Monaco and the Croatian national team, as well as their under-21s.
According to Sky Germany, United have enquired about Kovac's situation and are aware that working in the Premier League is his ultimate goal, despite him turning down Tottenham's approach in 2021. It's added that the Dortmund boss has a connection to United's director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell.
Kovac is also said to have been considered by Chelsea when they parted ways with Enzo Maresca at the beginning of this month. With Dortmund sitting second in the Bundesliga table and 10th in the Champions League, the 54-year-old is doing himself no harm.
His pragmatic style of play, which has received criticism in Germany, is said to be well-received by English clubs. Kovac is committed to Dortmund, who hired him last February before handing his a contract extension until June 2027 four months later.
Kovac is in London ahead of Dortmund's Champions League clash with Tottenham. United, meanwhile, are plotting their next move.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Niko Kovac, Head Coach of Borussia Dortmund reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund at City of Manchester Stadium on November 05, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Niko Kovac averages more than two points per game at Borussia Dortmund(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
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Carrick has been put in charge until May and started his tenure with a magnificent 2-0 win at home to Manchester City on Saturday. The Red Devils travel to Arsenal on Sunday, a game which which promises to be another tough test.
United's aim is to finish in the Champions League places and should they do so, Carrick will no-doubt be a contender for the job. Aside from Tuchel and De Zerbi, the likes of Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva have been linked.
The trio are all in the final six months of their contracts with Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Fulham respectively. Dortmund, on the other hand, would demand compensation if United wanted to prise Kovac away.
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