Manchester United legend Lee Sharpe has had his say on transfer speculation surrounding Bruno Fernandes and Red Devils-linked Chelsea star Cole Palmer
Lee Sharpe believes that Cole Palmer would prove an ideal successor to Bruno Fernandes, should the Portuguese maestro choose to depart Manchester United this summer. The Wythenshawe native, 23, has flourished at Chelsea following his switch from Manchester City in 2023.
And when speculation emerged earlier this year suggesting Palmer was pining for home in the capital, United were swiftly linked with a stunning move for the attacking midfielder. However, Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior moved quickly to dismiss any notion that Palmer was unhappy at Stamford Bridge.
Should Palmer's position shift in the coming months, United legend Sharpe is convinced he could thrive with the Red Devils. Yet he cannot envisage the talent breaking into United's starting XI whilst Fernandes remains at the club.
Speaking to BetBrain, he 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.
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"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 as Fernandes' future beyond 2025/26 has been thrown into doubt, despite the club captain pledging his loyalty to the Reds on numerous occasions. The 31-year-old's existing deal runs out next summer, though there remains an option to extend his tenure by an additional 12 months.
Nevertheless, given the considerable attention from the Saudi Pro League last summer, it's unclear whether his head could be turned should another tempting proposition come his way. It is understood that Fernandes will only enter discussions with his representative regarding his future following this summer's World Cup in North America.
Meanwhile, United are yet to reach a verdict on fresh terms for Fernandes, largely due to the club still awaiting the appointment of a permanent manager. Whether he remains or departs, United would be prudent to strengthen their midfield this summer.
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Casemiro is poised to leave Old Trafford when his contract concludes this summer, leaving United short of options beyond the Brazilian, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte – who has found it difficult to settle in the Premier League.
Consequently, the Reds have been connected with several targets ahead of the summer window, including Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson amongst others. Additionally, United CEO Omar Berrada has hinted that the club's transfer activity is far from finished as they adopt a 'football-first approach'.
He said: "We are now seeing the positive financial impact of our off-pitch transformation materialise both in our costs and profitability. We continue to take a football-first approach and invest in both our men's and women's first teams.
"On the pitch our men's team sits 4th in the Premier League and our women's team are 2nd in the Women's Super League, as well as reaching the League Cup Final and the quarter final of the UEFA Women's Champions League.
"Today's results demonstrate the underlying strength of our business as we continue to push for the best football results possible for our Men's and Women's teams."
Whether that backing will stretch to the £100million valuation many reckon Wharton's, Baleba's and Anderson's talents command, remains uncertain.
fanaceiop
0
Bruno has said it numerous times he will leave only if UTD want him to leave. He sees himself to be able to play into his late 30s & still can command a decent signing fee when his current contract expires, hence no rush for him. We all know Bruno loves UTD, I suppose he feels he still has an unfinished business of bringing PL title to UTD before he leaves.
Pascdikops
0
foolish
poediklmru
0
Is not only Palmer it’s palm wine Even dullard Chelsea fan are seeing Palmer as a better player than Bruno
Febbdemp
0
mad people... they are talking about about Palmer.... they want him 😃😃😃 they are in love 😆😆😆 with palmer and Chelsea... red devils are not good enough club.... they are average club 😃😃😃😃😃
keaadt
2
Bruno not going anywhere
vumaeinpy
0
poor united small club
pecbinoptu
0
Palmer ko palmwine ni. Ole people, you taught Chelsea is ready to lose Palmer. Mr. Palmela shift from there mafi tie koba wa
wutbceikmr
0
Sell Bruno coz he is old now. get the money and invest in Cole Palmer.
cadamnoy
0
first of all, I don't see Bruno going anywhere especially with Man Utd very likely to return to UCL. And when he does, the replacement is already there. his name is Cunha. That's his favoured (and most productive) position. so I see Man Utd going all out to get a top player for the left side and a multi-faceted player (like Morgan Gibbs) who can play anywhere across the front 3 as a backup.
vepbdlpsu
1
kun agweero
faecelsuyz
0
Bruno should go to Real Madrid.
seackrtu
1
Bruno Fernandez should first extend his contract at United because he needs to leave after winning something bid to improve his profile. There are even better chances when the club makes addition such as Cole Palmer or other. I am sure a Manager like Carrick (I am sure he will be confirmed) knows how he can use Bruno and Palmer together effectively.
juscenrsy
0
good 👍
juscenrsy
0
ok