Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has unveiled his dream five-a-side team, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Pogba, drawing on players he has shared the pitch with during his career.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand on the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, Fernandes revealed a star-studded selection built for creativity and flair, with just a nod to defence.
For his lone defender, Fernandes chose Portugal veteran Pepe, tipping him over Raphael Varane due to their longer time together. He credited Pepe with helping him settle into the national team, joking about the defender’s frequent cycling exploits on Instagram.
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In midfield, Fernandes picked Juan Mata, praising the former Manchester United star as one of the most technically gifted players he has played alongside, and a person of outstanding character off the pitch. He paired Mata with Paul Pogba, describing the Frenchman as “the most complete midfielder I have seen in a long time” and recalling his dominance at Juventus, even if injuries limited his impact at Manchester United.
Up front, Cristiano Ronaldo was an automatic choice, described by Fernandes as the “ultimate goalscorer.” The final spot went to Udinese legend Antonio Di Natale, whom Fernandes admired for his loyalty and consistency, remaining among Serie A’s top scorers despite playing for a side often near relegation.
Fernandes explained that chemistry and relationships influenced his picks as much as talent. “I could have chosen many others,” he said, “but I wanted a blend of friendship and footballing feel.”
His final five-a-side selection—Pepe, Juan Mata, Paul Pogba, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Antonio Di Natale—reflects Fernandes’ respect for skill, loyalty, and camaraderie.
