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Bruno Fernandes believes new Manchester United signing Carlos Baleba has the physical presence and energy to make a major impact at Old Trafford.

Baleba has completed his move to United in a deal that could rise to £70m.

Fernandes was speaking at the PFA Awards after being named the 2026 Players’ Player of the Year, an honour decided by votes from 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 not been ideal, with Michael Carrick’s side suffering a disappointing defeat to Hull on the opening day.

Fernandes admitted the result has left United three points short of where they wanted to be, but stressed that there is still plenty of time to respond.

“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.”

Speaking about his individual award, the United captain said it meant even more because the winner was chosen by fellow players.

“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.”