Chelsea risk Cole Palmer wrath with sudden decision as Man Utd set to keep eyes peeled

Chelsea’s decision to let Mauricio Pochettino leave could put Cole Palmer’s future at risk, with the England ace penning an emotional farewell to his former boss.

Pochettino gave Palmer his big break in the Premier League, with the youngster repaying the faith by netting 27 goals and assisting a further 15.

But with yet more uncertainty to come at Chelsea and another new manager expected to take over before pre-season, Palmer could be tempted in the near future to explore possible options away from Stamford Bridge.

Taking to social media after Pochettino’s departure was announced, the 22-year-old said: “Gaffer, thank you for everything you have done for me & making my dreams come true. All the best.”

It’s been reported that Palmer is just one of several Chelsea stars who were left shocked by the move, with the dressing room under the impression that things were slowly starting to click under Pochettino.

Things will now be taken back to square one for the Chelsea squad, which could cause their best players – Palmer especially – to consider an alternative future.

If that does prove to be the case, Manchester United are likely to be one of the sides on red alert, with the three-time European champions holding several secret weapons up their sleeve.

Chief among them is the recent appointment of Jason Wilcox as the club’s technical director, with the 53-year-old having joined from Southampton earlier this year.

And during his role as academy director at Manchester City, Wilcox aided Palmer’s development, with the football guru having been partly responsible for the forward’s development.

That existing relationship could prove crucial for United, should they ever look to make a move for Palmer, not least because he fits the bill for the type of player the new ownership are chasing.

It was claimed when Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group took over earlier this year that young home-grown talent would feature heavily on the Red Devils’ transfer wishlist.

Few players on the market match that profile as much as the Premier League Young Player of the Season, but Palmer himself could have a personal reason for moving to United.

That’s because the Wythenshawe-born ace is a self-confessed United supporter, despite having spent 13 years in the City academy.

Speaking back in April he said: “Yeah, when I was growing up I was a United fan.”

Maybe one day Palmer will get the chance to fulfil a childhood dream of running out at Old Trafford donning the famous red and white of United.