Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has made it public that he idolised a former Manchester United captain growing up, and this has influenced his decision to change his squad number at Chelsea.
There could be several Manchester United players with new shirt numbers for the 2025/26 campaign.
The Red Devils will be hoping to turn things around in the upcoming Premier League season after finishing 15th in the table last term.
Ruben Amorim’s side must put their failures behind them after losing the Europa League final, therefore, missing out on the Champions League.
Over the coming weeks, United fans will notice changes to some of the players’ squad numbers, with certain stars receiving upgrades.
Amad Diallo recently hinted that he will be moving on from the number. 16, which served him well up until this point. Other players that could wear a new number next season include Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Amass and Chido Obi.
Cole Palmer playing against Arsenal in the Premier League
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Cole Palmer names Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney as his idols
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has revealed which two footballing icons inspired him to change his shirt number this summer.
Palmer went from wearing the number 20 at Stamford Bridge, but he has worn the number 10 since the beginning of the Club World Cup, which is being held in the United States.
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The England international took the number from Mykhailo Mudryk, who has recently been charged by the FA for violating anti-doping rules.
When asked about the number change, Palmer explained that it was the number he always used to wear growing up due to the players he idolised before name-checking Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney.
“Messi, the big one, Rooney and players like that,” Palmer said.
“It’s just an iconic number. I wore No. 10 all my life growing up and I just like the number.”
With eight Ballon d’Or awards to Messi’s name, it’s no surprise that Palmer looked up to the Argentine superstar.
Meanwhile, Rooney was one of the key players at Old Trafford during Palmer’s childhood. He became United’s all-time record goalscorer and took the No. 10 shirt from fellow United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Palmer’s impressive record against Man Utd
The former Man City academy star has an impressive record against United.
Palmer, 23, has played against the Red Devils on five occasions, winning three of those games and losing just one.
The record Palmer will be proud of is the fact that he has scored four goals in his five matches against United.
Games Wins Draws Losses Goals Assists
5 3 1 1 4 0
Cole Palmer record vs Man Utd
United will hope he doesn’t add to that tally next season.