Paul Pogba: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United would be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or if he played for Manchester City.
Paul Pogba has stated that Bruno Fernandes would be a regular contender for the Ballon d’Or if he were part of Manchester City instead of Manchester United, suggesting that a lack of significant trophies hinders his recognition.
Since joining United in 2020, Fernandes has accumulated remarkable statistics, recording 139 goal involvements in 225 Premier League matches, yet he has only secured an FA Cup and a Carabao Cup during his tenure at Old Trafford.
In a discussion with former United defender Rio Ferdinand on ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents,’ Pogba, 33, reflected on his own challenges during his second spell at United, where he won two trophies over six years, and remarked that Fernandes would be more esteemed if he played for the blue side of Manchester.
“We had a fantastic team,” Pogba, now with Monaco, remarked about his time at United from 2016 to 2022. “Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] joined, [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan also came in, you know, we had a really strong squad.
“But in one team, there are 11 players, you know, and I’m certain that I should have contributed more, but I can’t say if I could have done more.
“I mean, I’m not making a direct comparison, but can Bruno Fernandes achieve more than he currently does at United?
“Do you believe that if Bruno were in another team, he wouldn’t be among the top three Ballon d’Or candidates?
“For me, if you place him in City, heβs in the Ballon d’Or top three.
“With his stats this season, the way he performs and everything, but when you don’t win, people don’t think about you. That’s just how it is in football.”
Fernandes is also having an outstanding 2025-26 league season, with eight goals and 18 assistsβjust two short of the all-time record. United currently occupies third place in the standings.
“He doesn’t have the same physical attributes as me; he can’t jump and recover the ball like I would, but he can do everything,” Pogba clarified. “He can do everything. As I mentioned, Bruno Fernandes, at other top clubs, would be in the top three for the Ballon d’Or.
“We discuss Kevin De Bruyne. We mention [Luka] Modric, [Mesut] Γzil. We talk about stats, stats. He scored more than [Frank] Lampard in the same position, eight, 10, you know. He provides more assists. Heβs everywhere on the pitch. He has great stamina. He keeps running. Heβs intelligent. He can play with one or two touches. He can shoot.
“They need to find someone to criticize; he’s at United. They need to find someone. But football enthusiasts will always respect Bruno Fernandes. Whether you appreciate his style or not is a matter of personal opinion. However, football players will recognize that he is a top player.”
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Pogba also shared his thoughts on another current United player, Kobbie Mainoo.
The midfielder was rumored to be leaving due to limited playing time under Ruben Amorim, but he has enjoyed an extended run in the team since Michael Carrick took charge. Pogba emphasized that Mainoo’s primary focus should be on gaining playing time, along with having a manager who believes in him.
“He has played and he’s such a talented, incredibly gifted young player,” Pogba, who initially departed United in 2012 due to a lack of opportunities, stated.
“It’s challenging. It’s really challenging. It depends on how he feels. If he feels good with the manager, if the manager truly trusts him, because he will have all the clubs interested in him, that is certain.
“Perhaps it’s not the right choice [if he believes he should leave]. And it’s tough for me to suggest he should leave when he is so appreciated by the fans at United. He is an exceptional player with significant potential, and he can have a successful career at Manchester United as well.
“So, I don’t know, but I just wish him the best. I don’t know what decision he will make. I just want to see this young player on the pitch because it’s a pleasure to watch him play.”
