Manchester United could face competition from Crystal Palace for Kieran McKenna if the Eagles decide to replace under-pressure manager Pierre Sage.

According to a report by FootballTransfers on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, Palace are considering McKenna as a potential successor to Sage, who is facing mounting scrutiny following his side's heavy 5-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.

Sage took charge of Palace in June after replacing Oliver Glasner, but the team's recent struggles have raised questions about his position.

The Guardian reports that the Frenchman will be given more time to improve results, although the club could consider a managerial change if performances fail to improve.

McKenna has emerged as a possible candidate should Palace decide to make a change. The 40-year-old Northern Irishman has been without a club since leaving Ipswich Town in the summer following their promotion back to the Premier League.

His reputation remains strong after an impressive spell at Portman Road, where he secured three promotions in four-and-a-half seasons.

Manchester United have also been linked with McKenna, particularly as Michael Carrick faces growing pressure following a difficult start to the campaign.

United's 1-1 draw against Leeds United on Sunday extended their disappointing run and left them enduring their worst start to a season since 1986, according to FootballTransfers. Carrick has reportedly won only two of his 10 matches in charge this season.

McKenna previously interviewed for the Manchester United head coach position in 2024 before the club opted to retain Erik ten Hag.

He also has a strong connection with the Old Trafford club, having worked as Manchester United's Under-18s manager before becoming an assistant to Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

Any club seeking to appoint McKenna could face a compensation bill of around €8.3 million (£7 million), according to Sky Sports, with Ipswich reportedly protected by contractual arrangements extending to June 2027.

Both Palace and Manchester United have opportunities to ease the pressure on their managers in European competition this week.

Palace face Besiktas in the Europa League on Thursday, while United travel to Como for their Champions League fixture on Wednesday.