Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has claimed that Bruno Fernandes would be in the running for the Ballon d’Or if he plays for a dominant side like Manchester City.
Pogba, speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, praised the United captain’s quality but suggested the Portuguese midfielder would receive greater recognition if surrounded by a stronger team and more consistent trophy success.
Fernandes, who has been in impressive form this season with goals and assists driving United’s campaign, recently recorded his 18th Premier League assist of the season, putting him close to the league record jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
“He’s a top player,” Pogba said. “But if you put him in a team like Manchester City, he’s in the Ballon d’Or conversation.”
The former France international added that Fernandes has all the attributes of an elite midfielder, highlighting his work rate, intelligence, and technical ability.
“He’s everywhere on the pitch. He keeps running, he’s smart, he can play one-touch, two-touch, he can shoot,” Pogba noted.
However, he stressed that individual awards at the highest level are often tied to team success. “When you don’t win, people don’t think about you,” he added.
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Fernandes, who joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, has made over 300 appearances for the club and remains a central figure at Old Trafford.
He reportedly turned down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian clubs last summer to remain in the Premier League.
Despite United’s inconsistent form in recent seasons, the club are currently competing in the upper half of the Premier League table, with Fernandes continuing to play a key leadership role.
Pogba also used the interview to reflect on Manchester United’s changing culture since his earlier spells at the club, noting differences in structure and atmosphere compared to the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The discussion also touched on young United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, with Pogba urging patience as the club manages the development of its emerging talents.
