Bruno Fernandes Reveals Desire for Declan Rice to Join Manchester United Before Arsenal Move
Bruno Fernandes has expressed his disappointment over Declan Rice choosing to join Arsenal instead of Manchester United. The England midfielder made headlines in 2023 when he signed for Arsenal for a club-record £105 million, quickly establishing himself as a key player in Mikel Arteta's title-chasing squad. In a recent interview following his win of the Football Writers' Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year award, Fernandes revealed his admiration for Rice, whom he trained with during the summer of 2023. He stated: "I admire him a lot. I always thought that Rice was a player to play for Man United, and I was really sad when he chose to go to Arsenal." Fernandes won the FWA award by securing 45 percent of votes, narrowly beating Rice by just 28 votes. This victory has sparked discussions among fans regarding the merits of both players. He acknowledged their differing roles on the pitch, emphasizing: "It's a different position. It's a different style of play. He doesn't need to assist as much." Despite the competition, Fernandes maintained that Rice has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season. He noted: "If Declan had won this award, it was well deserved too... I think he's an amazing player." The rivalry between the two midfielders continues to elevate the excitement surrounding the Premier League as they both strive for excellence in their respective roles.
Source: Sky Sports - 2026-05-15