'Sometimes things don't work out' - Ex-Man Utd coach believes Cole Palmer could join Red Devils from Chelsea despite contract running until 2033

Former United coach Rene Meulensteen says he can't see why Palmer wouldn't head to Old Trafford in the future, even though his Chelsea deal runs until 2033. The Dutchman, who was a first-team coach at the Premier League giants between 2007-13, also lamented how the England international evaded the clutches of the Red Devils when he was growing up.

He told Grosvenor Casino: "It’s almost a public secret that Cole Palmer is a Manchester United fan, what surprised me is how he slipped through the fingers of United with him being at Manchester City and then getting his chance at Chelsea. He is a player that can make a difference, could he play for United in the future? Yeah, I can't see why not. Obviously he's got a long-term contract with Chelsea, but sometimes things don't work out and players and clubs fall out, then United would be interested and it could be a really good destination for him. He is a United fan after all and he is a player that would bring United back to a higher level."

Palmer, 23, is one of England's best players right now and has been a revelation for Chelsea since his 2023 move from Manchester City. The Blues have tied a number of their players to long-term deals but it is unlikely that they will be at the Blues for the duration of those contracts - perhaps giving United fans hope that childhood fan Palmer could sign for them one day.

Palmer, who played a starring role in Chelsea's Club World Cup triumph in the United States earlier this month, is currently enjoying a well-earned summer break, before returning for pre-season training in the coming weeks.