‘I’d welcome him with open arms’ – French-Senegalese Patrice Evra backs Cole Palmer to join Man United

Former Patrice Evra believes Cole Palmer would be a perfect fit for Manchester United, with the club legend insisting he would welcome the England international “with open arms” if a move ever materialised.

Speculation about Palmer’s future resurfaced earlier this year after reports suggested the attacking midfielder, currently at Chelsea F.C., remains closely connected to his roots in Manchester.

The England international grew up supporting United and is said to regularly travel back to his hometown of Wythenshawe to spend time with family and friends.

According to reports in The Sun, Palmer has occasionally struggled to fully settle into life in London despite his rapid rise since leaving Manchester City F.C..

The claims reignited debate about whether the forward could one day make a switch across the Premier League to Old Trafford, particularly given suggestions he would be unlikely to return to City.

Evra, who won multiple Premier League titles during his successful spell at United, believes Palmer possesses the quality to strengthen the team, although he acknowledged that any potential move would be complicated.

“I feel like everyone is a United fan and they don’t play for United. As a kid, you can be a fan of a team, but it’s different when you become a football player. Palmer is a very promising talent and a rising star, he’s signed a big contract with Chelsea so I’m not sure if he’d be able to leave. I’d welcome him with open arms if he wanted to play for United.”

While praising Palmer’s ability, Evra suggested United’s immediate focus should remain on tightening their defensive structure rather than pursuing attacking additions.

“Right now, I’m more focused on United improving their defence. Palmer has had a lot of injuries and he needs to get back in form. When you play for United, you can’t have a good month, you have to perform all year. That’s the pressure of playing for this club. I can’t say if Palmer takes United up a level, because the pressure there is different from what it is at Chelsea.”

He added: “Palmer, if you want to upset Manchester City the way Carlos Tevez upset United in the past, then you’re more than welcome to join!”

Any move for Palmer would likely require a substantial fee. Reports suggest a figure in the region of £100 million could be needed to prise the highly rated playmaker away from Stamford Bridge, with the 23-year-old widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s most influential young attackers.