Where did "Man Utd" get in touch with the "under-the-radar coach" as their permanent manager, who was previously linked with two Premier League clubs?
On 20 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Sky Sports Germany reported that Manchester United, the famous Premier League club, has an unexpected candidate for the next permanent manager after Michael Carrick's interim role ends this season.
Michael Carrick started impressively with Man Utd by leading them to a 2-0 home win over Manchester City in the Premier League last Saturday, but the "Red Devils" still want a permanent manager with more long-term experience.
Sources say Man Utd has included Niko Kovač, head coach of Borussia Dortmund, among their options and has already contacted the 54-year-old Croatian coach because the club executives admire his strict working style to help revive the team amid turmoil.
Reports also state that Man Utd's technical director, Christopher Wivel, who has deep knowledge of the German market, has been in close communication with Niko Kovač and inquiring about Dortmund's situation.
Additionally, Niko Kovač aims to manage a Premier League team in the future, having previously declined Spurs' offer in 2021 and been considered by Chelsea when searching for a replacement for Enzo Maresca before they ultimately chose Liam Rosemier.
Meanwhile, Niko Kovač, who is still under contract with Dortmund until 2027, is currently in London after leading his team to visit Spurs in the UEFA Champions League group stage matchday 7, giving Man Utd a chance to contact him for further updates.
Niko Kovač has managed the Croatian national team and top clubs including Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich, Monaco, Wolfsburg, and Dortmund. He won three trophies with Bayern (Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, German Super Cup) and one with Frankfurt (DFB-Pokal).
