Belgium's goalkeeper Mike Penders and Belgium's goalkeeper Senne Lammens
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Cole Palmer of Chelsea is challenged by Jules Ahoka and Luke O'Nien of Sunderland
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Chelsea FC v Manchester United - Premier League
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Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso watches on
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Wesley Fofana of Chelsea
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Qatar's Al Sadd SC V UAE's Shabab Al Ahli Dubai FC - Qatar-UAE Super Shield Final
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Rio Ferdinand shares his theory on why Thomas Tuchel isn’t picking Cole Palmer for England
Head Coach Thomas Tuchel with Cole Palmer of England
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Why Thomas Tuchel could regret latest Cole Palmer snub
The truth is, Palmer is probably not in the best of form right now. He started the season strongly but has really tailed off.
Palmer made little impact against Sunderland over the weekend as Chelsea fell to a 1-0 defeat, and his last open-play goal in the Premier League came all the way back in August against Brighton & Hove Albion.
C. Palmer
Chelsea – Premier League (2026 – 2027)
Appearances 10
Minutes Played 888
Average Rating 7.25
Shots 22
Shots on Target 10
Goals 3
Assists 3
Passes 362
Key Passes 22
Dribble Attempts 30
Successful Dribbles 14
However, with Bukayo Saka out injured, Palmer would have been the perfect replacement. The former Manchester City star is obviously still a top player and has caused damage against Spain in the past, one of England’s upcoming opponents.
Tuchel could regret not calling him up. If things do not go to plan in that Spain game or against Croatia, his decision to leave Palmer out will be questioned even more.
What Chelsea fans think of Manchester United hiring Mauricio Pochettino, ‘make it happen’
United States v Portugal - International Friendly
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Manchester United’s pursuit of a new manager has intensified after they were moments away from losing to Aston Villa – and Chelsea fans have reacted to the news that Mauricio Pochettino is a target.
Having conceded two goals inside the first four minutes on Saturday, criticism has come Michael Carrick’s way. Fans have started to turn on their former midfielder, despite the board taking the brunt of criticism.
We have graded some of Xabi Alonso's key roles at Chelsea so far. What grade would you give him and why?
You kidding right lacroix ok but wellbeck is an old man he’s not even playing him he needs time to get his players in to play his system fofana gusto need to go we need depth as well in several positions
I think B for transfers is generous. Lacroix & Palestra haven’t been great. D for substitutions is spot on too. I’m still confident he’ll get it right though
3 windows!? We just signed Lacroix & Welbeck to fix those issues 🤦♂️
In response, reports from TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook claims Mauricio Pochettino has been identified as a leading candidate to take over at Old Trafford. It is just over two years since the USA boss left Chelsea.
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher discusses the two penalty decisions between Sunderland and Chelsea
What Chelsea fans think of Pochettino joining Man United
Pochettino lasted a year in the Chelsea hot seat. He took a mediocre Chelsea side to sixth in the Premier League, as well as the Carabao Cup final and the semi-finals of the FA Cup. He won 26 of 51 matches.
A solid return, but at the end of that season, Pochettino would leave. He was replaced by Enzo Maresca, and has since taken over as United States manager, where he has won an impressive 21 of 35 matches.
Upon hearing the news that Pochettino could take over as Man United boss – if they pay the $10m exit clause in his contract – Chelsea fans have responded. Most think Pochettino would be a good arrival.
@CFCPys @JacobsBen @alex_crook Man Utd going to have a better manager then us!!
— chels⭐️⭐️ (@totalchels1905) November 9, 2026
“Make it happen” was the reaction of another Chelsea fan, while one even posted: “Man United are going to have a better manager than us”. Clearly, Chelsea fans believe Pochettino would be a good choice.
Another Chelsea fan said: “Poch would get that attack and midfield playing their bests”, while another thinks Pochettino “would be decent for them”. The overriding feeling is that Pochettino improves United.
@CFCPys @JacobsBen @alex_crook Poch will have them playing good footy
— Madiba (@AwobajoS) November 9, 2026
What is Pochettino’s record against Chelsea as a manager?
Pochettino’s record at Chelsea was impressive, in the midst of a turbulent spell under BlueCo as the likes of Todd Boehly learned on the job. But what is Pochettino’s record like when he’s played against Chelsea?
If he did take over as Man United manager – with Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann also on their list of options as per Crook’s report – he would be in the dugout for the February 6 clash between the two sides.
Throughout his career, Pochettino has faced Chelsea a huge 17 times. The Argentine has only faced Man City and Liverpool more. During that time, he has won six times against Chelsea, but lost nine more times.