Carrick in the box seat as Man United weigh up Kovac on summer shortlist

Manchester United are plotting their next move in the dugout, with Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovac added to a growing shortlist ahead of the summer – but make no mistake, Michael Carrick is still the man in pole position.

The word from insiders is that Kovac is under consideration as INEOS map out the 2026/27 campaign. Carrick, unbeaten since stepping in back in January and contracted only until the summer, has set the standard – and the hierarchy are right to take their time before rubber-stamping the long-term call.

Kovac considered, Carrick still calling the tune

Reports suggest that while Kovac has been noted, he isn’t among the top-tier targets right now. The mood music around Old Trafford is clear: Carrick remains the clear favourite, buoyed by an unbeaten run and a dressing room fully onside. If the form holds, ripping it all up again would feel like change for change’s sake.

Why United should stick rather than twist

United have chopped and changed far too often in recent years – managers, recruitment leads, philosophies; you name it. Carrick offers something they’ve lacked: calm authority, a clear plan, and players flourishing under him after earlier struggles under Ruben Amorim. The tempo’s improved, the structure’s sound, and the big names look liberated. Stability doesn’t win you headlines, but it wins you football matches – and right now, that’s priceless.

Kovac’s credentials in focus

Kovac, 54, is no lightweight. At Dortmund he’s got them parked in second in the Bundesliga, albeit a fair distance (11 points) behind Bayern Munich. He’s widely regarded among Europe’s elite coaches and could yet choose to stay put beyond the summer. Across his managerial career, his win rate sits roughly around the 50–51% mark – a solid body of work that speaks to organisation, resilience and clear tactical identity.

The INEOS equation

This is where the new regime earn their keep. The brief is straightforward: pick a path and stick to it. If Carrick keeps delivering, back him properly – long-term deal, coherent recruitment, and a pre-season tailored to his blueprint. If they pivot to Kovac or anyone else, it must be because the footballing vision is unmistakably superior, not just shinier. Fans and punters weighing up the odds can always browse the best betting sites, but the smart money right now? It’s on continuity.

Verdict

Adding Kovac to the shortlist is sensible due diligence; crowning Carrick feels like common sense. United finally look like a team with an identity again. Don’t overthink it – reward the results, keep the momentum, and make Old Trafford a fortress by design, not by hope.