Paul Pogba has expressed that Bruno Fernandes would regularly find himself in contention for the Ballon d’Or if he were on Manchester City instead of Manchester United, suggesting his lack of significant trophies hinders his recognition.
Since joining United in 2020, Fernandes has recorded impressive stats, totaling 139 goal involvements in 225 appearances in the Premier League, but he has only secured an FA Cup and a Carabao Cup during his tenure at Old Trafford.
Pogba discussed this in an interview with former United defender Rio Ferdinand on ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents,’ reflecting on his own challenging experiences during his second term at United, where he won only two trophies over six years. He remarked that Fernandes would be more esteemed if he played for the blue side of Manchester.
“We had an excellent team,” Pogba, who now plays for Monaco, said regarding his time at United from 2016 to 2022. “With players like Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] and [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan, we were really strong.”
“In any team, there are 11 players. I acknowledge I should have contributed more, but I can’t say for sure if I could have done more.”
“Is it possible for Bruno Fernandes to achieve more than he does currently at United? If he were in a different team, wouldn’t he be among the top three Ballon d’Or candidates? For me, if he were at City, he’d be in the Ballon d’Or discussions.”
Pogba noted Fernandes’ impressive performance this season, emphasizing that individual success often goes unnoticed in the absence of team trophies. “That’s just how football works.”
Fernandes is experiencing a remarkable 2025-26 league season, with eight goals and 18 assists, just two short of the all-time record. United currently sits third in the league.
“He may not physically match my style; he doesn’t jump and win the ball the way I would. But he is capable of everything,” Pogba explained. “Bruno Fernandes at a larger club would certainly be a top three Ballon d’Or contender. Think of the names we discuss like Kevin De Bruyne, [Luka] Modric, and [Mesut] Özil. When we compare statistics, Bruno outperforms [Frank] Lampard for the same position. He consistently contributes assists and is active across the pitch. He’s intelligent, dynamic, and versatile.”
“Sure, there are always criticisms that come with being at United, but true football enthusiasts will recognize Bruno Fernandes’ talent. Personal preferences may vary, but players understand his quality and his place as a top player.”
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Pogba also shared thoughts on another United talent, Kobbie Mainoo, who was previously rumored to be leaving due to limited playing time under Ruben Amorim. Since Michael Carrick’s appointment, Mainoo has had more opportunities on the pitch. Pogba stated that gaining playing time and having a manager’s trust should be Mainoo’s primary focus.
“He’s showcasing incredible talent at such a young age,” Pogba, who left United in 2012 due to a lack of opportunities, remarked. “It’s crucial for him to feel secure with his manager. If he does, clubs will surely be interested in him. Maybe he’s unsure about leaving, especially when he is held in such high regard at United. He has tremendous potential and could have an excellent career at Manchester United. Whatever his decision, I hope he shines on the pitch because he is a joy to watch.”