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‘Why would he go to Man Utd?’ - Cole Palmer has got his smile back at Chelsea alongside close friend Morgan Rogers, with Robert Huth reacting to unexpected transfer rumours by telling GOAL: “Why would he go to Man U?” At one stage, there was speculation that the England international could return to his North West roots, but he is now fully focused on a friendly contest for goals and assists at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer back in rhythm after World Cup snub

Palmer went through a difficult 2025-26 season in terms of both form and fitness, with the numbers he produced during his PFA Young Player of the Year-winning debut campaign in west London dropping significantly.

After scoring 25 times in that season, the 24-year-old - who has enjoyed Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup success with Chelsea - managed only 11 goals last term. He was then left out of the squad for the 2026 World Cup.

There were questions over whether the boyhood Manchester United supporter and graduate of Manchester City’s academy could make a move back home. However, he has since been joined in the capital by Rogers, with the former Aston Villa star completing a record-breaking £117 million ($158m) transfer.

Palmer and Rogers have both been among the goals in the early stages of 2026-27, helping Chelsea make a flawless start, and they appear ready - along with Brazilian forward Joao Pedro - to lead a challenge for the Premier League title.

Man Utd had been linked with a move for Palmer

Asked whether Palmer could now spend a number of years at the Bridge after rediscovering his spark, former Blues defender Huth told GOAL: “Why would he go to Man U? I wouldn't have thought he would have gone to Man U anyway.

“The top three attacking players at Chelsea look the part, they really do. Whether they're friends or not, obviously it helps for those two, for sure. But it's just good to see Palmer performing because towards the end of the season last year, he was struggling with injuries.

“I know he would have loved to have gone to the World Cup and show what he can do. But I think he was struggling with the injuries. From a Chelsea point of view, it actually hopefully is going to work out because he would have had the six, seven weeks of recovery, making sure he gets the extra work in.

“And so far now we're only two games in but he's looking brilliant. He's looking sharp, he's looking energetic, he's looking fast again - like he's actually getting away from players when he starts dribbling, which last season towards the end, as you could see, was holding back a little bit with his injuries.

“So that's definitely been a positive, Palmer having six, seven weeks off and getting his head right on his injury because had he gone to the World Cup, he would have just dragged on and then you've got this amazing, talented player that you kind of have to nurse through the season. So far so good. Just needs to stay injury free, which is easier said than done.

“But the three players up top really, really excite me. I love Joao Pedro a lot because he's got a bit of everything. He's got the pace, he can dribble, he can shoot, he throws himself about, he wins more than his fair share of headers. He's a nightmare for defenders. When he gets kicked, he gets up, kicks them back kind of thing. He's really kind of almost like a bit of a throwback number nine with proper skills and a little bit of maverick as well.

“So brilliant the way those three started. Rogers, obviously, coming in as well. Big fan of him too. Wouldn't want to be a defender playing against them three.”

Palmer vs Rogers: Who will deliver the most goals and assists?

Palmer has two goals and two assists to his name this season, while Rogers has opened his account in both categories. The two gifted creators will be keen to better each other over the course of the campaign, with that internal rivalry likely to work in Chelsea’s favour as a team.

Speaking about that battle for creative bragging rights, Huth added: “They're going to want more assists, more goals than the other.

“Yeah, these kind of things, they are friendly but also, you want to have another thing on your mate, don't you? So hopefully, it stays that way where it's competitive without spilling over and someone not squaring the ball because they want to have the headlines.

“But at the moment, it looks great because they've been winning. Again, the questions will come when they don't win. Everything is always great when you win. It's the best three attackers in the league. If Chelsea lose two or three games, things will automatically change. For now, it's been a good start. Exciting start, but it's only two games in.”

Chelsea fixtures 2026-27: Tough trip to Arsenal up next

Chelsea have taken six points from Premier League matches against neighbours Fulham and Conference League-bound Brighton. They have also beaten Luton to book their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Xabi Alonso has made a dream start to life as Blues manager - even if there are still a few defensive issues to sort out - and his side now face their biggest test of 2026-27 on Sunday when they travel to Emirates Stadium for a much-anticipated meeting with defending champions Arsenal.