‘I think the fans will love him’ – Bruno Fernandes backs new Man Utd signing Baleba to be a big hit at Old Trafford

Bruno Fernandes believes new Manchester United signing Carlos Baleba has the physicality and energy to make a big difference at Old Trafford.

Baleba has completed his move to United in a deal worth a possible £70m.

Fernandes was speaking at the PFA Awards after being named the 2026 Players’ Player of the Year, having been voted for by his fellow professionals.

Asked about Baleba’s arrival, Fernandes said: “A very energetic player, strong physically, someone that can push us up the pitch, driving the ball, someone very young also, very exciting.

“I think the club has been following him already for almost two years and it’s a very good moment for the club, for us, and I think the fans will love him.”

United’s start to the new season has been less positive, with Michael Carrick’s side suffering a disappointing opening-day defeat to Hull.

Fernandes acknowledged that the result leaves United three points behind where they wanted to be, but insists there is plenty of opportunity to put things right.

“It’s always, obviously as I said before in another interview, we are three points behind of what we wanted to be,” he said.

“We have a huge game on Sunday to play at home, first one for our fans with a long wait after the summer, so we want to make it right and get the three points.”

On his individual award, the United captain admitted it was particularly special given it was his fellow players who decided the winner.

“It’s obviously a very proud moment because it’s the ones that you go on the pitch against and it’s probably not easy to vote for someone you play against,” Fernandes said.

“But obviously in this type of awards I think it’s a very proud moment for everyone that gets involved because obviously the ones that go against you every weekend are choosing you.”