Manchester United’s decision not to pursue Cole Palmer looks wise after horrendous display against Forest
Manchester United’s decision not to pursue Cole Palmer looks wise after horrendous display against Forest Manchester United were linked with a sensational move for Chelsea’s Cole Palmer earlier this year, but the Red Devils have since distanced themselves from the prospect . On the evidence of Monday afternoon at Stamford Bridge, Michael Carrick’s recruitment team may have made the right call. Palmer struggled in Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, a result that leaves the Blues’ hopes of European qualification hanging by a thread.
The nadir arrived when Matz Sels saved his penalty, a moment that encapsulated a performance largely devoid of the invention and quality that once made him one of the division’s most exciting attacking midfielders. Losing eight of his 10 ground duels and managing just one key pass, Palmer was anonymous for large stretches and unable to influence a match Chelsea desperately needed to win, leaving the Blues ninth in the table, 16 points behind United in third. The wider context makes the performance more concerning.
Palmer has struggled for much of this campaign due to a chronic groin injury. Many of his performances have lacked the game-changing impact that saw him rise to prominence in his first two seasons with the club. He has managed just ten goals in all competitions this season, down from 18 the previous term and 25 the year before.
United had briefly been linked with a move worth around £150 million, though Palmer himself rejected the rumours, saying he simply laughs when he sees them. Carrick’s staff, it appears, arrived at the same conclusion and rather more quickly.