Pogba Claims Bruno Fernandes Would Be Ballon d'Or Candidate at Manchester City

Paul Pogba didn't hold back during his appearance on Rio Ferdinand's podcast, delivering a blunt assessment that many football observers have quietly agreed with for years: "You put him in City, he's Ballon d'Or top three."

While the comment carries a sting, there's undeniable truth behind it. Bruno Fernandes has spent the majority of his Manchester United tenure carrying a club that hasn't seriously challenged for the silverware and achievements that typically catch the attention of Ballon d'Or voters. Major trophies. Deep Champions League campaigns. Premier League title races. United have consistently failed to provide those platforms. His trophy cabinet at Old Trafford contains just an FA Cup and a League Cup.

Closing in on Premier League immortality

Despite the lack of team success, Fernandes has accomplished something remarkable this campaign — 18 Premier League assists, surpassing David Beckham's club record of 15 from the 1999/2000 season. Now he's within striking distance of the all-time Premier League assist record currently held by both Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Just two more assists equals the mark. Three surpasses it entirely. With five matches remaining, the record is absolutely within reach.

The Portuguese midfielder also achieved another milestone this season, becoming the second-fastest player to reach 200 goal contributions in Manchester United's storied history. At 31 years old, this represents arguably his finest individual season in the famous red jersey — remarkable considering he's been the team's most consistent performer over the past five years.

Michael Carrick's appointment as manager has clearly made a difference. The entire squad appears revitalized, but Fernandes especially has displayed enhanced sharpness and decision-making compared to the turbulent period before Carrick's arrival. For those following United's assist markets, the fact that Fernandes is actively pursuing a historic record with genuine momentum makes the situation particularly compelling.

Timing and circumstance

Pogba made another observation worth highlighting: "Football players will understand that this guy is a top player." That distinction — earning respect from fellow professionals versus receiving mainstream recognition — essentially captures Fernandes' entire Manchester United experience.

History may not rank him among the club's legendary figures, but that judgment reflects the dysfunctional environment surrounding him rather than his actual contributions on the pitch. In an alternate timeline, playing under managerial stability with a properly constructed squad, the narrative would be completely different.

Right now, Fernandes sits just two assists away from Premier League history. That remains the headline. Whether he receives appropriate recognition for the achievement is an entirely separate question.