Timothy Fosu-Mensah has put Bruno Fernandes’ reputation in the same bracket as one of his former Manchester United teammates at Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old former Manchester United youth academy product rose through the youth set-up at Old Trafford before managing to climb into the first-team squad.
Timothy Fosu-Mensah crossed paths with Bruno Fernandes before the former Red Devils talent left the Premier League club and signed for Bayer Leverkusen.
The ex-Netherlands international, who made 30 senior appearances for United, has been a free agent since 2024 after his injury struggles at Bayer Leverkusen.
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Why Timothy Fosu-Mensah has now compared Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes to Paul Pogba
Bruno Fernandes hit another high point in his Manchester United career after the 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder broke the Premier League assist record last season.
The Man Utd captain pulled off the aforementioned Premier League feat on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign in the 3-0 win over Brighton at the Amex.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Timothy Fosu-Mensah admitted that he feels Fernandes’ true exploits won’t be appreciated in the same way as Paul Pogba’s were not either.
“With a player like Paul, you see him up close… you can always pass the ball to him, it doesn’t matter what position he is in, he always owns the ball and he is so skilful, left-foot or right-foot, technically he is great and maybe he doesn’t get his flowers now, but he will definitely get them later,” he said.
“I would say Paul, Wayne Rooney, I would say maybe Bruno Fernandes is maybe the same situation as Paul because he’s still active, you don’t really see what he’s doing for the club, but later you’ll be like, ‘This was ridiculous what he is doing.’”
What is your message to Bruno Fernandes after he sets a NEW Premier League assist record?🔥
He's now the sole ASSIST KING in league history 🅰️x21
Timothy Fosu-Mensah on what impressed him the most about Bruno Fernandes during his time at Old Trafford
Paul Pogba was often met with criticism at Man Utd for his lack of consistency, despite the 2018 World Cup winner showing moments of individual brilliance.
Fosu-Mensah admitted that the 33-year-old French midfielder was somebody that he looked up to growing up, with Fernandes also leaving a lasting impression on him.
“He [Fernandes] doesn’t fear anything,” he said.
“I remember there was one game, I think we played against Everton away, me and Luke [Shaw] were on the bench and Luke was like, ‘Bruno, it’s not normal!’ and I agree because since he came in, the standard was from that moment until now so high.”
Fernandes has netted nine times and registered 22 assists in 37 matches across all competitions for the Red Devils in the 2025-26 campaign at Old Trafford.
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