Chelsea fans assured one reason Cole Palmer will not transfer to Man Utd

Cole Palmer has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, despite Liam Rosenior seeing him as untouchable at Chelsea

Lee Sharpe does not believe that Cole Palmer will leave Chelsea for Manchester United while Bruno Fernandes is still in the team.

The Wythenshawe-born 23 year old has flourished at Stamford Bridge following his switch from Manchester City in 2023. And when speculation emerged earlier this year suggesting Palmer was experiencing homesickness in the capital, United swiftly became linked with a move for the attacking midfielder.

However, Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior moved quickly to dismiss any notion that Palmer was unsettled at Stamford Bridge. Should Palmer's position alter in the coming months, Sharpe is convinced he could shine with the Reds.

However, he cannot envisage the talent breaking into the United starting XI while Fernandes remains at the club. Speaking to BetBrain, the Manchester United icon said: "I've seen the rumours about Cole Palmer returning to Manchester United, that he's a boyhood fan of the club.

"Maybe if Bruno Fernandes leaves Old Trafford, then Palmer could be an option to replace him, but if he stays then I don't see how Palmer gets into the team.

"Palmer is a really exciting player and I'd love to see him in a United shirt, but there are a lot of boxes that need to be ticked before they go and get a player of his calibre."

It comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding Fernandes' future beyond 2025/26, despite the club captain repeatedly pledging his loyalty to the Red Devils. The 31-year-old's existing deal runs out next summer, though there is a clause permitting a 12-month extension.

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However, given the considerable attention from the Saudi Pro League last summer, it remains to be seen whether a tempting financial package could persuade him to reconsider. It is also believed that Fernandes will only enter discussions with his agent regarding his future following this summer's World Cup in North America.

It comes as Palmer has managed eight goals and an assist for the Blues in the Premier League alone this season, despite being injured for large parts. Since his switch to Stamford Bridge in 2023, meanwhile, he has 56 goals and 32 assists to his name from 116 matches across all competitions.

It comes as Chelsea have enjoyed a largely successful season in 2025/26, sitting fifth in the Premier League standings with 12 wins, nine draws and just five losses to show for their efforts. Rosenior also led Chelsea to a sixth-place finish in the league phase of the Champions League, ensuring that they qualify for the knockout rounds of the competition.

Up next for Chelsea is a clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, March 1. The Blues then take on Aston Villa three days later on the road, before an FA Cup fifth-round clash with Wrexham plays out at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday, March 7.

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