Manchester United’s search for stability has taken a surprising turn toward Germany. As of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, reports from Sky Germany and The Mirror confirm that Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovač has been added to United’s shortlist to become the next permanent manager.
While Michael Carrick has just enjoyed a "dream" start as interim boss with a 2–0 win in the Manchester Derby, the United board is reportedly casting a wide net for a long-term successor to Ruben Amorim, who was sacked earlier this month.
Why Niko Kovač? The Dortmund Turnaround
The 54-year-old Croatian has seen his stock rise significantly since taking over a struggling Dortmund side in early 2025.
Stabilization Expert: Kovač inherited a Dortmund team sitting 11th in the Bundesliga and guided them to a 4th-place finish and a Champions League quarter-final last season.
Current Form: Dortmund currently sit 2nd in the Bundesliga, trailing only Bayern Munich.
The "Vivell" Connection: Kovač has strong professional ties to United’s Director of Recruitment, Christopher Vivell. This internal link is said to be a major reason for his inclusion on the shortlist.
Tactical Profile: Known for a "clear and pragmatic" style, Kovač is seen as a manager who can instill discipline in a United squad that has struggled for defensive consistency over the last 14 months.
Obstacles to a Deal
Despite United's interest, a mid-season move is highly unlikely.
Contractual Bind: Kovač signed an extension with Dortmund just last summer, tying him to the Signal Iduna Park until June 2027.
The Carrick Factor: If Michael Carrick continues his winning streak—starting with the upcoming clash against Arsenal—the board may find it difficult to look elsewhere.
Bundesliga Ambitions: Dortmund are currently in a title race, and the club's hierarchy has signaled they have no intention of letting Kovač leave before the season concludes.
The Verdict: Kovač is a "safety first" appointment who brings proven experience at elite clubs like Bayern Munich and Dortmund. However, with United likely to wait until after the 2026 World Cup to finalize a permanent appointment, this saga will likely simmer until the summer.