Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has paid a heartfelt tribute to Declan Rice after beating the Arsenal star to the Football Writers' Association (FWA) Men's Footballer of the Year award – and admitted he wished Rice had chosen to join him at Old Trafford instead.

Fernandes secured the prestigious honor with an impressive 45% of the vote from FWA members, thanks to a standout season that saw him rack up 19 Premier League assists. But rather than bask in the glory alone, the Portuguese playmaker was quick to acknowledge Rice's immense contribution to the game.

"I am very happy I won it, but if Declan had won this award, it would have been deserved too," Fernandes said on JoelBeyaTV's YouTube channel. "I don't think he is the best player or whatever in the league – it's just that in a season where you have to choose between players, numbers make a lot of weight in the decision. I think I had a brilliant season and could add that to my game. For Dec, it is more difficult for him to get those numbers because he plays a little bit deeper."

Fernandes went on to reveal his admiration for Rice, not just as a player but as a person, having trained alongside him in the Algarve. He even confessed his disappointment that Rice opted to join Arsenal for £105 million in the summer of 2023, rather than making the move to Manchester United.

"I always thought that Rice was a player to play for Man United," Fernandes said. "I was really sad when he chose to go to Arsenal. I don't know if there was the opportunity or the chance to come to Manchester United, but I always thought he would be the perfect fit for our club – not just for the player he is, but for the person he is, for the professional he showed me he is through his personality. What he has been doing this season in a different position and style of play is remarkable. He doesn't need to assist as much or score as much – his impact goes far beyond the stats."

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