Cole Palmer continues to be linked with a move back to Manchester. (Image: Getty Images) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Manchester United will be looking to strengthen their hold on third place in the Premier League when they take on Bournemouth this weekend. United bounced back impressively from their loss to Newcastle the previous week as they saw off fellow Champions League qualification contenders Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Casemiro, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko helped Michael Carrick’s side secure a 3-1 victory. United appear to have found their stride since separating from Ruben Amorim in January, with the squad thriving under their interim manager. Nevertheless, with the Champions League potentially returning to Old Trafford next season, United have been advised by former captain Gary Neville to strengthen their squad appropriately this summer. Meanwhile, Chelsea star Cole Palmer has been linked with a sensational transfer to Old Trafford.
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Chelsea midfielder Palmer could be attracted by a remarkable switch to United, the club he followed as a boy. According to Tottenham and Newcastle icon Chris Waddle, the England star might consider the transfer if he becomes dissatisfied with his situation in west London, with the former Manchester City player enduring a difficult spell in recent months.
Speaking to Ozoon, Waddle said: “Palmer is definitely a talent, and I’m a big fan. I know he’s had patches and hasn’t been consistent since he went to Chelsea.
“Whether it’s off-the-field issues or unhappiness in London, we don’t know, only he can answer that. Chelsea have a massive squad, so he’s rested, played, rested, and brought on. He probably wants to play every game, as players do. If he’s a Manchester lad and supposedly a United fan, I’m sure he’d be very tempted.”
Nevertheless, he cautioned that Palmer’s opportunities could be limited if he relocated to Manchester. He continued: “However, with Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes, you can only play so many creative players. Will he get in the team?
“Most teams, you’d say yes, but Fernandes and Cunha are in good form right now. Yes, Cunha can play further forward, on the left, or on the right, but he likes to roam. So, where would you play Palmer? But as I said earlier, United will have to clear the decks. There are a few aged players they’ll probably look to get rid of.”
Gary Neville discussed Manchester United’s summer plans. (Image: The Gary Neville podcast) Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp
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Gary Neville urges United to act
Neville has identified the four signings he expects his former side to make this summer. United are understood to be preparing a substantial investment in two fresh midfielders to replace Casemiro, though the former right-back maintains they require additional reinforcements.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said: “The centre of midfield is a problem. Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro are doing a great job right now for Michael Carrick.
“However, every Manchester United fan in this stadium knows that is going to be nowhere near enough when they start playing in the Champions League next season.
“It is more than likely they will [qualify], and when they play a bit further in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and they are playing in the Champions League, they are going to need three or four really good midfield players. At the moment, you’ve got Mainoo, a midfield player you can buy into, but you can’t really look at any of the others and think that is going to work.
“Casemiro is leaving, and I think Manuel Ugarte will leave. They need two really good central midfield players. Probably one that’s more positional, like a Michael Carrick-type, and one that’s more of a destroyer. The back needs looking at but midfield would be the real focus in the summer transfer window.”
He warned that United must also strengthen their defensive line, though suggested any overhaul of their backline may need to be delayed. Neville added: “It might then be the summer after [this one] when they finally get round to new centre-backs because they have got a problem.
“The problem at centre-back actually at the moment is that [Matthijs] De Ligt and [Lisandro] Martinez arguably – with [Harry] Maguire – their two best centre-backs, can’t get on the pitch and it’s a real problem.
“[Luke] Shaw is playing every week and he’s more than good enough to play out here every week, let’s be clear, but how long is that going to last for? Can he do that next season, the season after and the season after?”