Fans Think They Know What Cole Palmer Said to Kobbie Mainoo on Touchline

Chelsea fans are not happy with star player Cole Palmer after spotting his interaction with Kobbie Mainoo after being substituted early.

On Saturday afternoon, Manchester United welcomed rivals Chelsea to Old Trafford to one of the most highly-anticipated matches of an exciting round of Premier League fixtures.

With both sides hoping to compete for a spot in next season's Champions League, the result could prove to be crucial by the end of the season.

But things have gotten off to a nightmare start for Enzo Maresca's side as goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was shown a red card just five minutes into the match, less than 10 minutes before United captain Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring.

It only got worse for Chelsea later in the first half as star player Palmer was taken off in the 21st minute, and fans think they may have figured out exactly what he said to England teammate Mainoo as he came off the pitch.

As Palmer came off the pitch early to be replaced by Andrey Santos, he made it clear that he wasn't happy as he throw something to the ground in frustration.

Once he had calmed down, the Chelsea star was spotted speaking with United's Mainoo on the touchline, and Chelsea fans are convinced that Palmer was telling the his England teammate that he had suffered another injury setback.

Reacting to the moment, one Chelsea fan wrote on X: "I believe Palmer told Mainoo he has a groin injury from reading lips and he pointed to his groin area."

While another confirmed: "Cole Palmer has ice on his groin. His sub was injury related."

However, not all fans were happy with Palmer's behaviour, with one writing: "I know they’re mates, but Palmer’s little smirk with Mainoo as he walks off, feels like a slap in the face to those who’ve travelled up there today."

🚨Cole Palmer & Kobbie Mainoo exchange words as he exits OT!👀 pic.twitter.com/dTgE3hBB4I

— (fan) 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗺’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇵🇹 (@AmorimBalll_) September 20, 2025

Some fans also claimed that Palmer appeared to gestured towards his groin while speaking to manager Enzo Maresca as he walked off the field.

Earlier in the season, the 23-year-old Palmer had to be withdraw from Chelsea's lineup as he warmed up for the match against London rivals West Ham United and later missed the next game against Fulham before returning after the September international break