Michael Carrick’s thoughts on Cole Palmer have now been revealed after reports linking Palmer with a move back to Manchester.
Manchester United’s January transfer business appears to be a no-go, at least for incomings. With Michael Carrick only expected to be in charge of the squad until the end of the season, Jason Wilcox and the transfer team are unlikely to sanction any new additions unless it’s a short-term loan deal until the end of the campaign.
Cole Palmer has been one of the names heavily linked with United in recent weeks, although he won’t be available on a loan deal. Palmer came through at Manchester City, but is known to be a boyhood United fan and is reportedly missing his hometown Wythenshawe – also home to Marcus Rashford.
Bruno Fernandes has a release clause of £57 million, which could see him leave the club in the summer. The United captain has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia for years, and could finally exit Old Trafford with another rebuild on the cards after Rúben Amorim’s dismissal.
The Chelsea midfielder would be one of the options to replace Fernandes, but Chelsea have put a large fee on his head if United wish to make a move for him.
If Carrick does leave the club at the end of the season, he is still likely to be consulted on transfers before his exit, due to his understanding of the club.
Carrick’s thoughts on Palmer revealed
Carrick’s time at Middlesbrough was hailed by many as a success, despite not reaching the Premier League. The former England international took his side to the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, when he spoke on Palmer’s future career.
On Palmer, Carrick told 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.”
Despite United’s links, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has said Palmer is “very happy” in London. “I’ve had numerous conversations with Cole and he seems very happy to be here,” he 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 the character for United
Character is not an attribute that too many clubs have to focus on when signing a player, not a player of Palmer’s ability, anyway. However, Old Trafford causes players to crumble, to shrink, to play like a shadow of their former selves. So, it’s a key factor in United’s recruitment.
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You only have to look at Andre Onana and Antony to understand how important character and mentality are at United. Both came to the club as top talents, but struggled to play under the Old Trafford lights – the pressure was simply too much. So, since United are linked to Palmer, does he have the character to play for United?
In short, yes. Palmer has shown time and time again that he isn’t just any old footballer. He rises to the occasion, he carries the team on his back, and he’s willing to take charge himself if he needs to. That screams United player. And his boyhood fandom will only help his case with the fanbase.
Palmer will instantly be a fan favourite at the club, much like Matheus Cunha. Whether the links are true or not, Palmer could be a United player, easily.
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