Man United make contact for Niko Kovac appointment amid ‘financial drama’
Manchester United have made an enquiry into the availability of Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac as they continue to search for a new boss.
That is according to German outlet Bild, who have reported that the Croatian is subject to “high interest” from the Premier League, with Tottenham and Chelsea having also made contact over him this season.
The 54-year-old saw his team squander a 2-0 first-leg lead against Atalanta to exit the Champions League on Wednesday night, and that has seen his future called into question in recent days.
Kovac has been at the helm of Dortmund since February 2025, but there is now growing speculation that his tenure with the Bundesliga giants may have run its course.
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£9.6m blow opens the door for Man United advancements
Bild understand that Dortmund’s unexpected exit from the Champions League in midweek is set to cost them around £9.6million, which looks set to have a knock-on effect for them moving forward.
BVB are now expected to see their attempts to tie key defender Nico Schlotterbeck down to a new contract hit the rocks, while it is noted that significant sales may be needed to raise funds this summer.
The failure to progress in the Champions League has prompted what has been referred to as a “financial drama,” and it could spiral towards Dortmund losing their manager, as interest builds in England.
The club hierarchy are said to have “great trust” in Kovac, whose contract at Signal Iduna Park is not set to expire until the summer of 2027, but it is understood that he views the Premier League as an ideal next step for his career.
Chelsea ultimately appointed Liam Rosenior after sacking Enzo Maresca earlier in the season, which in turn puts United in a strong position to move towards a deal for Kovac if they wish to in the coming months.
This is what Michael Carrick must do to earn permanent appointment
Former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider earlier this week that United interim manager Michael Carrick could find himself “nailed on” to get the job on a full-time basis.
The Scottish businessman revealed that he expects it will need a catastrophic downturn in results for the former midfielder not to be handed the reins on a permanent basis, after he has made a hugely promising start so far.
Wyness also added that the 44-year-old would be almost certain to land the top job at Old Trafford if he secured Champions League football for next term, which looks increasingly likely with the Premier League potentially set to receive five places.
Carrick’s impressive run in charge will not stop the United hierarchy from conducting their due diligence on their other targets, but it could ultimately prevent any external appointment from being made in the summer.