Cole Palmer reaches out to Kobbie Mainoo after Man Utd turned down request

Chelsea star Cole Palmer has delivered a mysterious message to Kobbie Mainoo following the youngster's rejected loan request at Manchester United. The 20-year-old reportedly sought a loan away from Old Trafford during the final days of the summer transfer window after becoming frustrated with his limited playing time.

Following United's 1-1 draw at Fulham, where Mainoo remained on the bench for the second successive Premier League fixture, Ruben Amorim revealed the midfielder is battling Bruno Fernandes for a starting role. Matters deteriorated further for the England international when he featured in United's Carabao Cup second round elimination to Grimsby Town.

Whilst Chelsea have been previously linked with the player, the Blues failed to make any formal approach during the summer window.

The midfielder recently shared an image of himself conducting individual training sessions throughout the international break, alongside a mysterious photograph from acclaimed film Whiplash, showing protagonist Andrew destroying his drum kit - with some claiming that he is hinting at his mounting frustration with his current predicament.

Palmer, who is also missing from England's squad owing to a groin complaint sustained prior to Chelsea's 5-1 triumph over West Ham, subsequently replied with his own intriguing message beneath Mainoo's social media post.

The former Manchester City star commented: "3 my boy" accompanied by a love heart emoji. While some have speculated that Mainoo should consider leaving Old Trafford, the true intentions behind Palmer's comments remain a mystery.

Last summer, Mainoo was a key player for England in their journey to the Euro 2024 final, missing only two matches.

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Mainoo himself has played down any speculation that he was referring to his predicament at the club.

Despite injuries and non-selections of players like Jude Bellingham, Adam Wharton, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden, Thomas Tuchel did not call upon Mainoo.

Much like his situation at Old Trafford, the young midfielder faces a tough battle to secure a place in Tuchel's squad.

His rigorous personal training sessions, both in the gym and on the pitch, could see him start in United's crucial match against Manchester City after the break. With Amorim sticking to his 3-4-3 formation, Mainoo must outperform either Fernandes or Casemiro, both of whom the United manager trusts.

This is no easy task for the United academy graduate, as Fernandes is not only the team's captain but arguably its best player over the past five years, while Casemiro is a specialised defensive midfielder.

Amorim explained why Mainoo didn't play against Fulham, stating: "Mainoo is fighting for his position with Bruno. I changed two midfielders.

"I left Mason Mount there because we wanted to score a goal and when I changed, I felt the team needed one holding midfielder. So he needs to fight for his position. At the moment he is fighting in training with Bruno for the position."