Michael Carrick is familiar with Cole Palmer's talent and once his revealed his take on the Chelsea superstar
Michael Carrick will address the media this afternoon ahead of Manchester United's trip to Arsenal in the Premier League
Michael Carrick already admitted his appreciation for Cole Palmer(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick already admitted Cole Palmer is destined for stardom amid reports that the Chelsea talisman is considering a transfer to Manchester United.
The 23-year-old has endured an injury-ravaged season at Stamford Bridge and has made just 13 appearances across all competitions. It's been two-and-a-half years since his £42.5million move from Manchester City but Palmer is reportedly eyeing a return to the North West.
According to The Sun, the England playmaker would 'welcome' interest from Manchester United, should they chase his signature in the summer. A boyhood United fan, Palmer spent 13 years at their city rivals but would not consider a return to the Citizens as long as Pep Guardiola remains at the helm, according to sources cited in the report.
It adds that Palmer misses his hometown and feels unsettled in the nation's capital. Any deal that would be done would certainly be a pricey one due to Palmer's superstar status and the fact he signed an improved contract lasting till 2033 just last season.
While Carrick, who was appointed as United's interim boss until the end of the season, may not have a say in the club's transfer plans due to his summer exit, he thinks highly of the attacking midfielder.
Having witnessed his superb abilities first-hand when Palmer's brace helped knocked out Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup semi-finals in 2024, then-Boro boss Carrick enjoyed a behind-the-scenes conversation with Palmer after full-time.
Cole Palmer puts his hands on his hips
Cole Palmer has had a stop-start season with Chelsea(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
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Discussing Palmer's performance after the Blues' 6-1 rout at home, Carrick insisted he'll go on to have a successful career. He said to 5 Live Sport: "He’s a nice lad and down-to-earth. You can see from watching him and playing against him with the quality that he has got.
"It is not nice when you are on the other end of it but you can appreciate and respect how good he is. He will have a terrific career." Transfer speculation surrounding Palmer has already been commented on by Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior, who said his star remains "very happy" in London.
Pep Guardiola talks with Cole Palmer of Chelsea after the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Chelsea FC at Etihad Stadium.
A return to Manchester City is reportedly not on the cards for Palmer(Image: Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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"I've had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very happy to be here," Rosenior said. "He's a huge part in our long-term plans. My job and the club's job is to get him into a situation where he can consistently perform to the level he wants to.
"There was frustration in the Brentford game. We need to look after him and that's why I didn't involve him in the last game." Palmer has scored just five goals this season and has yet to register an assist.