Paul Pogba has suggested that Bruno Fernandes would be a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or if he were playing for Manchester City instead of Manchester United, citing a lack of significant competition for the prestigious award.
Since joining Manchester United in 2020, Fernandes has made an impressive impact, participating in 225 matches and contributing to 139 goals in the Premier League. However, during his tenure at Old Trafford, he has secured only the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
In a discussion with former United defender Rio Ferdinand on his show, Pogba, who currently plays for Monaco, remarked that Fernandes might receive greater recognition if he represented the blue side of Manchester. He reflected on his own struggles during his second spell at United, where he managed to claim just two trophies over six years.
Pogba looked back at the successful 2016-2022 season with United, which featured prominent players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Mkhitaryan. “We had a great team,” he stated, while acknowledging that despite the talent available, the squad could have achieved more.
He then posed a thought-provoking question: “Can Bruno Fernandes do more for United than he is currently doing?” He firmly believes that, if Fernandes played for a rival team, he would undoubtedly be considered among the top three candidates for the Ballon d’Or.
“If you placed him in City, that would elevate him to Ballon d’Or contention,” Pogba emphasized. He noted that when players fail to secure trophies, their contributions often go unnoticed, a reality that seems to apply to Fernandes this season.
This season, Fernandes has delivered noteworthy performances, scoring eight goals and providing 18 assists, putting him just two assists shy of breaking the all-time record. Currently, United sits in third place in the Premier League standings.
Pogba continued, acknowledging that while Fernandes may not possess the same physical attributes as himself, he brings exceptional versatility to the pitch. “He can do everything,” Pogba remarked, asserting that Fernandes ranks among the top players for the Ballon d’Or at elite clubs.
While discussing the challenges Fernandes faces at United, Pogba pointed out that football fans often seek someone to critique. “He is at United, so they need to find someone to criticize,” he explained. Regardless of opinions, Pogba believes that true football aficionados recognize Fernandes as a top player.
Pogba also touched on fellow United midfielder Koby Mainu, who has faced difficulties securing playing time under manager Ruben Amorim. Since Michael Carrick’s arrival, Mainu has had limited opportunities, which may impact his future at the club. Pogba encouraged Mainu to focus on gaining playing time and finding a manager who believes in his capabilities.
“He’s a very talented kid, and he’s still young,” Pogba said, advocating for patience and careful consideration of Mainu’s decisions. He reminisced about his own departure from United in 2012 due to limited opportunities. Pogba closed by expressing his desire to see Mainu thrive, emphasizing how enjoyable it is to watch him play.
