With Kobbie Mainoo growing frustrated with his lack of opportunities at Manchester United, Cole Palmer appeared to send a message to the Red Devils academy graduate
BLANKENHAIN, GERMANY - JULY 01: Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer of England talk during a training session at Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land on July 01, 2024 in Blankenhain, Germany. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Cole Palmer has sent a message to Kobbie Mainoo(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA, The FA via Getty Images)
Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has delivered a mysterious message to Kobbie Mainoo following the rejection of his loan request from Manchester United.
The 20-year-old has been left frustrated by his limited playing time and reportedly sought a loan switch from Old Trafford during the final days of the summer transfer window. Following United's 1-1 stalemate at Fulham, where Mainoo remained on the bench for the second straight Premier League fixture, Amorim revealed the midfielder is in direct competition with Bruno Fernandes for a starting berth.
Matters deteriorated further for the young England international when he started in United's embarrassing League Cup second round elimination against Grimsby Town. Whilst Chelsea had been previously linked with the Stockport born star, the Blues failed to make any formal bid during the summer window.
The midfielder recently posted an image of himself conducting individual training sessions throughout the international break, alongside a mysterious photograph from the acclaimed film Whiplash, depicting the moment protagonist Andrew smashed through his drum kit, hinting at his mounting frustration with his present circumstances.
Content Image
Content Image
Palmer, who is also missing from England's squad owing to a groin problem sustained prior to Chelsea's 5-1 triumph over West Ham United, subsequently replied with his own enigmatic response in Mainoo's comments section. The former Manchester City player posted: "3 my boy" accompanied by a love heart emoji.
Some viewed this as a suggestion Mainoo ought to consider departing Old Trafford, though Palmer's true intentions remain a matter of speculation. During last summer's campaign, Mainoo featured in all but one of England's matches leading to the Euro 2024 final, including the showpiece itself.
Despite key players such as Jude Bellingham, Adam Wharton, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden being unavailable through injury or omission, Tuchel opted against selecting Mainoo. Much like his situation at Old Trafford, the promising midfielder faces an uphill battle to break into Tuchel's thinking.
Looking back on his performances at the European Championships, United legend Rio Ferdinand was left shocked by reports Mainoo was looking for a loan exit. The former defender said: "David Ornstein was saying that Kobbie Mainoo is open to leaving, which is.
"I don't want to hear that. Kobbie, if you're watching, if you're hearing, [or] people that are next to him. Don't let me hear that. Please man. I need you stay at the club, be patient. Please.
"I know it's difficult and it's easy for me to say. I want to see you here. If we were sitting here going; 'Do you know what? After his exploits with England that Kobbie Mainoo can't get into the Man Utd team and they're thinking about selling him - and he wants to go.'
Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England
Mainoo has looked frustrated for United this season(Image: 2025 Jacques Feeney/Offside)
"You couldn't have bet me any money that'd be happening right now, and not this soon after his exploits with England, and how good he was, and how much we were all waxing lyrical about him."
Ferdinand also commented on Mainoo's Instagram post, simply writing: "Work."
In United's close 3-2 home win against Burnley, Amorim chose to introduce Mainoo from the bench instead of Ugarte, indicating the young player is increasingly on the manager's radar.
He has earned 10 caps for England, making his debut in the 1-0 home defeat to Brazil in March 2024.