- Cole Palmer has been linked to Manchester United
- Chelsea star is a United fan
- The Reds have better options available if Bruno Fernandes leaves
As someone born and raised in Wythenshawe, Cole Palmer has long been linked with a move to Manchester United. Last year, the Chelsea man admitted that he grew up a Manchester United fan and idolised Wayne Rooney.
Palmer said:
“When I do go back to the stadium [Old Trafford] it’s good because I used to go and watch matches there. Obviously, I supported United, and he was probably the best player when I was watching them.”
This inevitably fuelled talk of Palmer potentially heading back to Manchester and making a move to Old Trafford. Reports suggested he was homesick and would be open to joining the Red Devils.
Palmer Shuts Down Chelsea Exit Talk
In an interview with The Guardian, Palmer was asked directly about a move to United, which has long been seen as his destination as a Mancunian. Since leaving Manchester City in 2023, the 23-year-old has not looked back, becoming a star player for the Blues.
Palmer said:
“Everyone just talks. When I see it [links to Man United], I just laugh. Obviously, Manchester is my home. All my family are there, but I don’t miss it. Maybe I’ll miss it if I don’t go for three months or something. But then, when I get home I think there’s nothing there for me anyway.”
The attacking midfielder has a long-term contract with Chelsea, after signing a new deal until 2033 last year. He firmly squashed the rumour of a move away from the West London club.
“I’ve got no plans to move from Chelsea. We’ve still got a lot to play for. We’ve got the FA Cup semi-final [against Leeds], and if we finish in a Champions League spot, it puts us in a good position to sign players that we need.”
Palmer will be in action, ironically, against United on Saturday (April 18th) when the Reds travel to Stamford Bridge. His comments come just on the eve of arguably the biggest game of both teams’ seasons.
United Should Consider Other Bruno Alternatives
For Manchester United, Palmer’s dismissal of these links is a blessing in disguise. The reality is that Palmer has struggled for form this season and has looked increasingly injury-prone. In 2025/26, he has made just 27 appearances in all competitions. If a star player is unavailable, a £100m+ price tag is hardly justified.
Most importantly, the Red Devils are better served by trying their best to hold onto Bruno Fernandes for another year or two. His level has barely dropped, as the Portuguese is close to equalling, or even surpassing, the all-time assist record.
If Fernandes is ready to call time on his Old Trafford career, United would be better served making a move for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Should Michael Carrick get the permanent job, he may recommend Rogers himself. At Middlesbrough, he helped the 23-year-old break through and make his name in the Championship before his big move to Villa Park. Unlike Palmer, Rogers offers a profile suited to United’s current forwards. He would be able to provide depth on the left wing while holding the talent to become Fernandes’ long-term successor.
