Ex-Man Utd defender Gary Pallister insists captain Bruno Fernandes would have been “in the conversation to win the Ballon d’Or” if the Red Devils were a better team.

Speaking to BetBrain, Pallister said that Fernandes has been part of “sub-par” United teams since he joined the club in 2020, and he could have gained more recognition for his performances if he had played elsewhere:

“Bruno Fernandes still has the hunger and drive to compete at the top level. He could’ve taken the big bucks last year and gone to Saudi, but instead, he’s cemented himself into the hearts and minds of all Manchester United fans; he’s been a continuous shining light ever since he joined the club.”

“If he was playing for Manchester City, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, he’d be in the conservation to win the Ballon d’Or, he’s that good. For a number of years now, he’s played in a sub-par Man United team, but he has always stood out from the rest.”

Pallister thinks Fernandes still has a key role to play going forward, and he believes a title challenge is not beyond the realm of possibility if United sign the right players to complement the club captain:

“Qualifying for the Champions League would be a great motivator for Bruno to continue performing at the level he is. With the right recruitment in the summer, I don’t see a reason why the club can’t challenge for the Premier League title, especially if Bruno remains as a core part of the team.”

Fernandes has had an outstanding season

In the Premier League alone, the Portuguese international has racked up 8 goals and 18 assists in 30 appearances for the Red Devils.

While Fernandes may not be in contention to win the Ballon d’Or, he is among the favourites for the PFA Player of the Year based on those excellent numbers.

Will he stay at Man Utd beyond the summer?

Speaking at the end of last year, Fernandes made a point of saying that he will decide his future after the World Cup.

United have an option to extend his contract for another twelve months beyond the summer of 2027, but there is a release clause that means foreign clubs can sign him for €65m (£57m). If he decides to leave, then there will be a queue of suitors looking to pay the buyout fee.

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