Premier League: Palmer talks with Maynu when he leaves the court to cause controversy

On the evening of September 20, 2025, the focus match of the fifth round of the Premier League kicked off at Old Trafford Stadium, and Manchester United beat Chelsea 2-1. However, the scene of Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer when he was replaced in the game has sparked widespread heated discussion among fans. In the 5th minute of the game, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off with a red card, and the team fell into a passive early. Just a few minutes later, Bruno Fernandez scored his first record for Manchester United. Faced with an unfavorable situation, coach Enzo Maresca made adjustments in the 21st minute and replaced Palmer with Andre Santos in an attempt to strengthen the defense.

Palmer, who was only 23 years old, seemed extremely dissatisfied with being replaced early, and when he left the field, he angrily threw the item to the ground. But what is even more noticeable is his brief conversation with Manchester United teenager Kobe Maynu on the sidelines.

TV footage captured Palmer talking with fellow England international Maynu in front of the bench and pointing his finger to his groin area. The action quickly sparked speculation on social media. Many Chelsea fans believe that Palmer is hinting to Menu that he cannot continue the game due to injury.

"I'm almost certain that Palmer told Maynu that he had a groin injury and gestured to that position with his hands," a fan wrote on social media X. Another netizen also echoed: "When he left the field, he was still applying ice bags to his groin. He was obviously replaced because he was injured."

However, Palmer's performance also angered many Blues supporters. Some fans criticized: "He sneered while talking to Menu, which was like the face of the fans who came to support the team from afar." Some people pointed out that when Palmer passed by the coach's seat, he signaled that he was unwell to Maresca, implying that the injury was real.

This is not the first time Palmer has missed a game due to similar issues this season. As early as the beginning of the season, he suddenly left the game during his pre-match warm-up against West Ham United, and then missed the game against Fulham, and did not return to the field until after the September international match day.

At present, the Chelsea club has not made an official explanation of Palmer's injury.