Chelsea could regret breaking up Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer partnership for one major reason

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Since joining Chelsea from Villarreal in 2023, Nicolas Jackson has faced a lot of criticism.

Jackson‘s critics often scrutinise his finishing, which probably has let him down at times. For example, Alan Brazil recently spoke about Jackson, claiming that it takes the striker four chances to score.

There are other areas where Jackson excels, though, and one of his stats from the 2024/25 Premier League season really highlights that.

If you are Ruben Amorim, it makes for good reading, with Manchester United interested in signing the Chelsea man this summer. It is perhaps also one reason why his current employers should consider keeping hold of him.

• READ MORE: ‘A bit more rounded’… Former Chelsea ace suggests Nicolas Jackson is more complete than £72m star

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson completed most sprints in behind the defence

Jackson scored just 10 goals in 30 Premier League appearances last term, but maybe he deserved more than that after some of his excellent runs.

As per The Athletic, the 24-year-old made 60 sprints in behind the defence during the 2024/25 campaign. It was nine more than any other player in the English top flight.

It shows that Jackson is making the runs, he just needs to be more clinical. And with Cole Palmer around, his runs will always be found.

The attacking midfielder was in the top 10 for through balls in the last Premier League campaign, recording seven (via StatMuse).

All in all, Jackson and Palmer have complemented each other really well during their time at Chelsea. Enzo Maresca may still want to have that as an option instead of letting the Senegal international join United.

United have Jackson on their radar, though they are yet to make a formal offer for him.

How Chelsea fans feel about Nicolas Jackson potentially moving to Manchester United

Some Chelsea fans are definitely not keen on the idea of Jackson being sold to the Red Devils this summer.

Amid all of the speculation surrounding his future, plenty of Chelsea supporters have been discussing Jackson on social media, warning their club that selling the former Villarreal man to United could be a bad idea.