Jesse Lingard insists Bruno Fernandes should be in Ballon d'Or running

Fernandes' Exceptional Season

Jesse Lingard has expressed his belief that ex-Manchester United team-mate **Bruno Fernandes** should be in the running for the **2026 Ballon d'Or** after an "extraordinary" season. The Englishman, who is now playing for **Corinthians** in Brazil, has also delivered his honest verdict on **Michael Carrick**'s tenure as interim manager at Old Trafford.

Fernandes' Impact at Manchester United

**Fernandes** has been the driving force behind **Manchester United**'s push for a top-four Premier League finish and Champions League qualification, registering **8 goals** and **18 assists** in **30 appearances** to date. The Portugal international is only two assists shy of equalling the league's single-season record, jointly held by **Thierry Henry** and **Kevin De Bruyne**, and still has **five games remaining** to reach the hallowed mark.

• **8 goals** scored by Fernandes this season
• **18 assists** provided by Fernandes this season
• **30 appearances** made by Fernandes this season

"Fernandes has had an extraordinary season and should be in the Ballon d'Or conversation," Lingard said.

Lingard's Verdict on Michael Carrick

Lingard has also delivered his honest verdict on **Michael Carrick**'s tenure as interim manager at Old Trafford, with a final decision on the permanent role now looming.