Pogba: Fernandes would be Ballon d’Or contender at Manchester City

Paul Pogba says Bruno Fernandes’ lack of major trophies limits Ballon d’Or recognition
Claims Manchester City success would elevate Fernandes into top-three contention
Praises Kobbie Mainoo but stresses importance of trust and consistent playing time

There is a familiar theme running through Paul Pogba’s latest reflections on Manchester United. Talent is one thing. Winning, as ever, is everything.

Speaking about Bruno Fernandes, Pogba did not hold back. The numbers are there, the influence obvious, but the honours list tells a different story. And in football, that tends to shape reputations more than anything else.

“For me, you put him in City, he’s in the Ballon d’Or three,” Pogba said, referencing Manchester City and the environment that consistently produces silverware.

It is not a new argument, but it remains a compelling one. Fernandes has delivered consistently since arriving at Old Trafford. Goals, assists, presence. Yet, beyond a couple of domestic cups, the bigger prizes have eluded him.

Pogba knows that feeling. His own return to United between 2016 and 2022 promised much but delivered less than expected in terms of major success. The squad, he insists, had quality. The outcomes did not always reflect it.

And that, in his view, is where Fernandes finds himself now. A player producing at a high level but operating without the collective success that elevates individuals into global conversations.

“When you don’t win, we don’t think about you,” Pogba said. It is blunt, but not inaccurate.

He also pointed to the broader context. Comparisons with players like Kevin De Bruyne, Luka Modrić and Mesut Özil tend to favour those with medals to match their performances. Fernandes, statistically, holds his own. The difference lies elsewhere.

There was also a word for Kobbie Mainoo. Pogba spoke with the tone of someone who understands the path. Young, talented, and already attracting attention.

His message was simple enough. Play. Be trusted. Develop in the right environment.

Mainoo, like Fernandes, sits at an interesting point. United are improving under Michael Carrick, but the next step is always the hardest.

For Pogba, the equation has not changed. Individual quality gets you noticed. Winning keeps you there.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.