Bruno Fernandes' own actions have subdued Man Utd fans' celebrations for another key feat in his career – opinion

Bruno Fernandes has done more to hurt his current standing with Manchester United fans than anyone else after his recent actions under Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.

The 32-year-old Manchester United captain’s prolific legacy at Old Trafford is far from a complete ‘write-off’ after his bombshell interview about Michael Carrick.

However, the tone has shifted around Bruno Fernandes and the silence has been deafening about the sentiment from Manchester United fans right now.

Fernandes’ timing to criticise Carrick after Man Utd’s 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League has now overshadowed another milestone in his career.

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Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes made the 30-man Ballon d’Or rankings for the second time in his playing career

Bruno Fernandes has carried Manchester United kicking and screaming at times in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era at the Premier League club. However, the Red Devils skipper’s petulant behaviour at times has left much to be desired for United fans. There is no denying Fernandes’ exceptional talent, but the Portuguese midfielder does not do himself any favours most of the time.

Fernandes’ own actions after Man Utd’s Champions League clash with Como last week have outshone any praise for his finish in the top 30 of the Ballon d’Or rankings for 2026. It was already known that the former Sporting CP midfielder would make the rankings after France Football previously announced the 30-man shortlist.

However, Fernandes’ 27th-place finish was confirmed on Monday, as Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane lifted the Ballon d’Or award at the ceremony held at the London Palladium. It is only the second time that the Portugal international has made the final 30-man rankings in his playing career.

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Fernandes was tied in 21st place for France Football’s Ballon d’Or prize in 2021 after he scored 28 times and registered 17 assists across all competitions in the 2020-21 season. The 2026 ranking was symbolic of the United captain’s incredible turnaround in form under Michael Carrick last season.

After a position change that saw him return to the No 10 role, Fernandes went on to break the longstanding Premier League assist record. The Red Devils talisman ended the 2025-26 Premier League season with 21 assists to his name and netted nine times for the Red Devils.

Fernandes’ success under United manager Carrick saw him scoop up other major accolades last season, including the Premier League’s Player of the Season prize and the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the FWA Footballer of the Year awards. The Ballon d’Or ranking was the icing on the cake for Fernandes’ exploits, but the talk has been subdued because of the United star’s own actions.