Man Utd news: Bruno Fernandes drops Cole Palmer hint as £200m budget set | Football | Sport
Manchester United are basking in renewed optimism as their winning streak continues. Michael Carrick celebrated his fourth consecutive victory as his team triumphed over Tottenham at the weekend. United secured their spot in the top four thanks to goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.
The prospect of a return to Champions League football now seems increasingly likely for the Red Devils, who also closed the gap to third place to just three points. Away from the pitch, club captain Fernandes has stoked rumours about a potential transfer target ahead of the summer window. Express Sport brings you all the latest United news…
Fernandes was instrumental in United’s victory over Spurs, but he wasn’t the only Premier League player to earn praise over the weekend. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer netted a first-half hat-trick against Wolves, catching the eye of the Portuguese midfielder.
Palmer was linked with a move to United throughout the recent transfer window. Fernandes took to social media to endorse United’s rumoured target, commenting on the Chelsea star’s Instagram post: “What a player.”
The England international has suffered an injury-plagued campaign, with his hat-trick bringing his league goal tally to seven in 14 appearances. Palmer, who is tied down until 2033, has responded to recent speculation surrounding his future.
In a post-match interview, he said: “Everyone loves to chat s***, don’t they? I don’t pay attention to it. You see things but I feel like I come from a strong place anyway, so I don’t pay attention to it.”
United are wholly concentrated on securing Champions League qualification, which would significantly boost the club’s summer transfer budget. Unlike their rivals, Carrick’s side are without European commitments and will aim to use that to their benefit during the final 13 matches of the season.
Reports claim that a return to Europe’s elite club competition would unlock a £200million summer transfer war chest. United are believed to be prioritising a midfield overhaul after revamping their attack last year.
The club have previously been linked with elite midfielders such as Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton. Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson has also been mooted for a switch to Old Trafford.
There will be a vacancy to fill in the middle of the park as Casemiro is set to depart United at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo has flourished since Carrick was appointed interim boss.
