"Put him at Man City and he's Ballon d'Or", Pogba's explosive take on Bruno
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 22.04.26. | 13:43
Paul Pogba claims Bruno Fernandes has world-best credentials, but insists Manchester United are holding him back from football's ultimate individual prize
Paul Pogba has thrown a spotlight back on Bruno Fernandes and the debate around his true level by suggesting the Manchester United captain would be a Ballon d'Or contender in a different environment.
Speaking candidly about his former club, Paul Pogba didn't question Fernandes' quality - quite the opposite. He argued that the Portuguese playmaker is already operating at an elite level, but lacks the platform to be fully recognised among football's very best.
"Put him in another top team, he's top three for the Ballon d'Or,” Pogba said. "You put him in Manchester City, he's right there."
It's a bold claim, but one backed by numbers. Fernandes has been at the heart of United's attacking output once again, registering 18 Premier League assists this season, just two shy of the all-time record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Add to that eight goals and relentless work rate, and it's easy to see why Pogba believes he's being held back by circumstances rather than ability.
"He's everywhere," Pogba added. "He runs, he creates, he thinks quickly, one touch, two touches, he can shoot. He does everything."
Yet for all the individual brilliance, Pogba pointed to a familiar obstacle: silverware. In the modern game, he argues, individual recognition is still tied closely to team success.
"When you don't win, people don't look at you."
Since arriving from Sporting in 2020, Bruno has been the club's most consistent figure, racking up over 100 goals in more than 300 appearances. But the biggest trophies have remained just out of reach.
Pogba, who knows that environment better than most, also reflected on United's evolution since his own return in 2016. Comparing eras under Sir Alex Ferguson and later Jose Mourinho, he hinted at a cultural shift within the club.
"It wasn't the same," he admitted. "The feeling, the energy, even small things, had changed."
Now back in football after a turbulent period, Pogba is viewing the game through a different lens. Following his move to Monaco and return from suspension, his priorities have shifted.
"I just enjoy football again," he said. "After everything, I see it differently."
He also had words for the next generation at United, particularly Kobbie Mainoo. The young midfielder has already shown flashes of top-level quality, and Pogba believes the path is there, if handled correctly.
"He's a talented, talented kid. He can have a great career here. I just want to see him play."
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 34
Tuesday
Brighton - Chelsea 3-0 (1-0)
/Kadioglu 3, Hinshelwood 56, Welbeck 90+1/
Wednesday
22.00: (2.10) Bournemouth (3.50) Leeds (3.80)
22.00: (16.0) Burnley (10.0) Man.City (1.12)
Friday
22.00: (2.80) Sunderland (3.15) Nott.Forest (2.65)
Saturday
14.30: (2.60) Fulham (3.35) Aston Villa (2.70)
17.00: (1.50) Liverpool (4.30) Crystal Palace (6.50)
17.00: (2.50) West Ham (3.35) Everton (2.85)
17.00: (4.60) Wolverhampton (3.60) Tottenham (1.80)
19.30: (1.50) Arsenal (4.30) Newcastle (6.50)
Monday
22.00: (1.90) Man.Utd. (3.60) Brentford (4.00)
***odds are subject to change***