Paul Pogba asserts that Bruno Fernandes would rank among the top three Ballon d’Or contenders if he played for Manchester City instead of Manchester United.
Fernandes’ Stellar Season
Bruno Fernandes delivers a standout performance this season for Manchester United after turning down offers from Saudi Arabia last summer. He racks up 18 assists, just two short of the Premier League single-season record. Fernandes leads the frontrunners for major domestic awards.
Pogba’s Analysis
Pogba explains on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast: “Do you think Bruno, if he is in another team, he’s not in the top three Ballon d’Or players? For me, you put him in City, he’s Ballon d’Or top three.”
He adds: “He’s in the three Ballon d’Or contenders, Bruno Fernandes, with the stats this season, the way he plays and everything. But when you don’t win, they don’t think about you. This is life, this is football.”
Shared History and Current Paths
Pogba and Fernandes teamed up at Manchester United from 2020 to 2022. Pogba then departed on a free transfer to rejoin Juventus. Injuries and a doping ban sidelined him, but the World Cup winner now features for Ligue 1 side Monaco.
The 33-year-old logs four appearances this season as Monaco sits seventh in Ligue 1 standings.
United’s Push for Champions League
Fernandes continues to captain Manchester United’s charge. The team holds third place in the Premier League, eight points ahead of sixth-placed Brighton with a game in hand, positioning them strongly for Champions League qualification next season.
