Some transfer stories feel realistic. This one feels like chaos. Manchester United have been linked with Cole Palmer, and the idea being floated is even bigger than a straight bid. A swap. Palmer to Old Trafford. Kobbie Mainoo, the other way. It’s the kind of move that would light up the league instantly, even if it never gets close to happening. But the fact that it’s being discussed at all says plenty about where both clubs are.
UNITED’S ATTACK STILL DOESN’T FEEL COMPLETE
United spent big in the summer to improve their forward line. Yet it hasn’t all clicked. Brian Mbeumo is the one who has looked like a guaranteed hit so far, the player who can turn a quiet game into something dangerous.
Michael Carrick has now taken charge and the early signs have been brighter. United look freer. More direct. The shape has helped. The confidence has helped too, especially after the win over Manchester City, which felt like a statement rather than a lucky result. Whoever ends up in charge long-term, United still need backing. The squad still has gaps.
WHAT CARRICK HAS CHANGED IN MIDFIELD
Carrick’s biggest early impact has been in midfield. He’s added an extra body, shifted the system, and eased the workload on Bruno Fernandes. United have looked more like a 4-2-3-1, with Fernandes closer to the danger zone instead of being dragged into constant recovery runs. That matters, because Fernandes still drives so much of what United do. When he’s freed up, United look like they have ideas again.
Mainoo returning also helps. He still needs minutes and rhythm, but the talent is obvious. United play with more calm when he’s involved.
UNITED’S NEXT PRIORITY IS A DEEPER MIDFIELDER
January has been quiet for United. Most of the names being linked feel like summer targets rather than quick fixes. The need remains clear though. A defensive midfielder who can control games from deeper areas.
Casemiro’s departure being announced pushes that need further up the list. United want someone who can support Mainoo, protect the defence, and keep the ball moving without panic. There have been links to players like Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton. Ruben Neves has also been mentioned as an option, with reports claiming he could be available for around £20m.
WHY COLE PALMER EVEN ENTERS THIS CONVERSATION
Then you get to the headline name. Cole Palmer.
He is 22. Already hugely experienced. And he’s been the face of Chelsea’s attack since arriving from Manchester City. Even in a messy team, he’s been the one player who looks like he can decide games with one moment.
This season hasn’t been perfect for him. A groin and pelvis issue has disrupted his rhythm, and that kind of injury can drag. Right now the priority is fitness. But a fit Palmer is still one of the most decisive attackers in the league.
THE SWAP IDEA: MAINOO FOR PALMER
Chelsea selling Palmer outright feels close to impossible. He’s central to the project, and he’s the one player fans would lose it over. That’s why the swap idea exists. The suggestion is that Chelsea might listen if Kobbie Mainoo was offered in return.
Mainoo is United’s most valuable young asset. He’s homegrown, and because of accounting rules, his sale would register as pure profit. That makes him “saleable” in a way most players aren’t. From Chelsea’s side, Mainoo fits. Young. Premier League-ready. With upside. A midfielder you build around.
💣🚨🚨 JUST IN!!!
Understand Manchester United and Chelsea held exploratory talks over a potential swap deal: Kobbie Mainoo for Cole Palmer. 🔁
Man United insisted for £20M on top of Palmer. 😱 pic.twitter.com/zYsHi6YIZt
— mufcytp (@mufcytp) June 1, 2025
WHY THIS STILL FEELS UNLIKELY
The problem is what both clubs would be admitting. United would be giving up a midfielder they’ve waited years to produce. Chelsea would be giving up a player who carries their attack and takes pressure off everyone else. These are not normal assets. They’re identity players. Those don’t move easily, even when money is big.
AUTHOR’S INSIGHT
This feels like transfer talk that exists because it’s explosive. United need more goals and more control. Chelsea need more balance and maybe another long-term midfielder. Palmer and Mainoo represent answers, but they’re also the hardest players to trade. A swap like this would shake the league, which is why people can’t stop talking about it.
As featured on ManUNews.com
As featured on Chelseanews.com