Former United midfielder, Paul Pogba, believes Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes would be in contention for the Ballon d’Or if he played for a stronger team, such as Manchester City.
Pogba, who had two spells at Old Trafford before returning to Juventus in 2022, said Fernandes is a “top player” but suggested his recognition would increase in a more successful side.
Fernandes has been central to United’s season, registering his 18th Premier League assist in the win over Chelsea last weekend, moving within two of Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne’s joint single-season record.
Speaking to the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Pogba, 33, said: “Bruno Fernandes, in other big clubs, is in the top three Ballon d’Or.”
Fernandes, who was last nominated for the award in 2021, when he finished joint 21st with Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez, has continued to draw praise for his consistency and influence at United.
Pogba expanded on his view, saying: “Do you think Bruno, if he’s in the other team, he’s not in the top three, a Ballon d’Or player?
“You put him in [Manchester] City, he’s in the Ballon d’Or.”
Fernandes has scored eight goals this season and remains one of United’s key figures.
He was recently praised by goalkeeper Senne Lammens for “driving the dressing room towards a higher level”.
Pogba also highlighted his all-round contribution. “He’s everywhere on the pitch. He has a volume. He keeps running.
“He’s smart. He can play two touches, one touch. He can shoot.”
However, he added that team success is central to individual recognition.
“When you don’t win, we don’t think about you.”
Fernandes joined United in January 2020 from Sporting Lisbon in a £47m deal and has made 322 appearances, scoring 106 goals.
He turned down offers from Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad last summer to remain at Old Trafford, with his contract running until 2027, plus an option for a further year.
United are currently third in the Premier League table, level on 58 points with fourth-placed Aston Villa, as the race for Champions League qualification continues.
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