“Numerous conversations”: PL manager breaks silence on future of “world-class” midfielder wanted by United

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has poured cold water on Manchester United’s plans to sign Cole Palmer. The Red Devils are expected to lay down succession plans for Bruno Fernandes soon, with the player set to turn 32 at the beginning of next season. The Portuguese maestro was heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford at the beginning of the current season but ended up staying at the club. He has been indispensable once again for the Red Devils this campaign, and has registered the most assists (9) in the Premier League so far. However, Fernandes’ contract is due to expire in under 18 months, adding to speculation regarding his future. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that United want their talismanic skipper to stay beyond this summer. Nevertheless, they will eventually have to prepare for the future, and one player who could fill the Portuguese’s shoes at Old Trafford is Palmer. Palmer’s steady rise Palmer graduated from the Manchester City academy but left for Chelsea in 2023 after struggling to break into the first team. In his first season with the Blues, he registered 25 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances across competitions. The Englishman has since registered 48 goals and 29 assists from 110 games for the London giants, winning the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup last season. Following his performance against Real Betis in the Conference League final, he was hailed as “world class” by EFL legend Adebayo Akinfenwa. This campaign, the 23 year old has struggled with injuries, registering just 13 appearances and finding the back of the net five times. Cole Palmer Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League12104–2–759′ UEFA Champions League111–––90′ Total13115–2–849′ Source: Transfermarkt. Enzo Maresca’s abrupt departure from Stamford Bridge has further added to speculation regarding Palmer’s future. Recent reports suggested that the player is unsettled in London and wants to return to Manchester, sparking rumours of a possible move to Old Trafford. For context, despite rising through the ranks at Manchester City, the Englishman is a boyhood United fan. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Red Devils are ready to initiate a blockbuster move for Palmer. The situation has sent the rumour mill into overdrive, and Rosenior has now provided an update on the player’s future. Palmer firmly in Chelsea’s plans Speaking to the press, as cited by Chelsea Chronicles, the new Chelsea boss insisted that Palmer is firmly in the club’s plans. Rosenior said: “I’ve had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very, very happy to be here. He is very happy to be here. He’s a huge part of our plans for the long term.” The Englishman is under contract with the Blues until 2033, so prising him away will be no walk in the park. Despite not being at the peak of his powers over the past six months, the player remains a key figure for the Blues. Final Thoughts While his recent injury troubles remain a concern, there’s no denying that United could be tempted to move for Palmer should he become available. However, the Englishman has certainly been one of Chelsea’s best signings in recent years, and it is unlikely that the Blues will let him go easily. 🚨💙 Liam Rosenior plays down reports on Cole Palmer plans to go back to Manchester: “I spoke with Cole and he seems and is very happy to be here”. “For sure Palmer is a huge part of our plans in the long-term. He’s feeling in a good place and joined training today”. pic.twitter.com/b84qn2jGTu — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 23, 2026 Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.