Cole Palmer has already issued Mauricio Pochettino verdict amid £90m Chelsea to Man United transfer theory

Cole Palmer praised Pochettino's man-management during their season together at Chelsea, fueling speculation about a potential reunion if the Argentine joins Manchester United.

Cole Palmer has previously spoken highly of Mauricio Pochettino, the manager under whom he flourished at Chelsea. Pochettino signed Palmer from Manchester City for £45 million on transfer deadline day in September 2023, and during their single season together, Palmer emerged as Chelsea's standout performer with 25 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions, earning him Men's Young Player of the Year at the 2024 London Football Awards.

At that awards ceremony, Palmer praised Pochettino's approach to management, highlighting his ability to connect with players beyond football. "He speaks to you about anything, like family issues," Palmer said. "He's given me the freedom to play my stuff and I like it when he frees you because I feel I can express my stuff more."

These comments have sparked speculation on social media that if Pochettino becomes Manchester United manager—he has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Michael Carrick—Palmer could be sold to United for around £90 million next summer. However, Palmer recently signed a contract extension keeping him at Chelsea until 2034, and while he has been linked with a return to Manchester in the past, any move remains purely theoretical.