Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick made his thoughts clear on Cole Palmer with the Chelsea star linked with a transfer to Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick speaking
Michael Carrick has already made his thoughts clear on Cole Palmer(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick tipped Cole Palmer for greatness long before claims emerged that the Chelsea star is mulling over a potential switch to Manchester United. The 23-year-old has struggled with injuries this season at Stamford Bridge, managing only 13 appearances in all competitions.
Despite joining Chelsea from Manchester City for £42.5million two-and-a-half years ago, Palmer is now reportedly considering a move back to the North West. According to The Sun, the England international would 'welcome' approaches from Manchester United if they pursue him this summer.
A boyhood United supporter, Palmer came through the academy at their cross-city rivals but would reportedly rule out returning to the Citizens whilst Pep Guardiola remains manager, sources claim.
The report suggests Palmer is homesick and feels unsettled London. Any potential transfer would come with a hefty price tag given Palmer's status as a top talent and the fact he penned an improved deal running until 2033 only last season.
While Carrick, who was named United's caretaker manager until the end of the campaign, may have no influence over the club's summer recruitment due to his impending departure, he holds the attacking midfielder in high regard.
Former Middlesbrough boss Carrick, who experienced first-hand the talent of Palmer when his brace helped knock out Boro in the EFL Cup semi-finals in 2024, had a private chat with the player post-match.
Reflecting on Palmer's performance after Chelsea's 6-1 home victory, Carrick predicted a bright future for the young star. Speaking to 5 Live Sport, he said: "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.
Cole Palmer celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Brentford.
Cole Palmer has been linked with a transfer to Manchester United from Chelsea.(Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC, Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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"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." Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has already addressed transfer rumours surrounding Palmer, assuring fans that the player is "very happy" in London.
"I've had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very happy to be here," Rosenior stated. "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.
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"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." Despite this, Palmer's season has been somewhat underwhelming, with just five goals to his name and no assists yet.