Manchester United academy coach reveals Cole Palmer was close to joining club

Palmer has revealed he has been a big fan of United since his childhood.

Cole Palmer was on the verge of becoming a young player for the Red Devils, according to Manchester United academy coach Colin Little.

Before joining Chelsea in the summer of 2023, Palmer, a Manchester native, spent ten years in Manchester City’s junior system before playing for the senior club for three more years afterwards.

The attacking midfielder developed into one of the Premier League’s best players and made his England national team debut after moving to Stamford Bridge.

Palmer, however, was very close to joining the Red Devils’ development system years before he signed with the Blues, according to United youth coach Little. Palmer, a lifetime United supporter, was apparently eager to sign with his favourite team, but the Cityzens were able to persuade him to stay.

Little stated in an interview with The Athletic’s Talk of the Devils podcast:

“I know Cole Palmer’s family quite well, I know his dad and his uncle, and we were close to getting Cole Palmer when he was about 16, believe it or not. He was umming and ahing and I knew he was a big United fan.

“He was at that age where you’re allowed to leave, 16 is it? And they were umming and ahing, Manchester City, about it. I think in the end Manchester City made him a good enough offer. But really, he was always a Manchester United fan and it was close anyway, I remember speaking.”

 “I think City needed to show him a bit more love and that kind of stuff. We never quite got it over the line, but it would have been nice if we did, wouldn’t it?”

🚨🔵 Cole Palmer, back in training with Chelsea squad today as well as Noni Madueke. pic.twitter.com/OGuSLl5q94

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 28, 2025

Palmer has resumed training after he was withdrawn from the England squad during the March international break due to a muscular issue. The star player might be included in Enzo Maresca’s matchday squad for the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur on April 3.

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