In a candid admission that has sent ripples through the Premier League, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed he once desperately hoped Declan Rice would choose Old Trafford over Arsenal. The confession comes as the two midfield maestros go head-to-head for end-of-season individual honors in the 2025/26 campaign.
Fernandes, who recently clinched the FWA Footballer of the Year award, spoke openly about his admiration for the Gunners' midfield anchor. Both players are now in the running for the Premier League Player of the Season award, setting the stage for a fascinating battle between two of the league's most influential figures.
"I admire him a lot," Fernandes shared in an interview with Joel Beya. "First of all as a person, because I knew him from the Algarve, when we were training together." The Portuguese star didn't hold back his disappointment over Rice's decision to join Arsenal, adding: "I always thought that Rice was a player to play for Man United. I was really sad when he chose to go to Arsenal."
Fernandes emphasized that his respect for Rice extends beyond his on-pitch abilities. "Not just for the player he is, but for the person he is, for the professional he showed me that he is, and for his personality. I think what he has been doing this season is great. He's been one of the standout players from the Premier League this season."
The United captain also acknowledged a harsh reality in award voting: statistics often steal the spotlight. While Rice has recorded 11 Premier League goals and assists this season—a solid return for a deeper-lying midfielder—Fernandes has amassed an impressive 27. "Numbers have a lot of weight in the decisions," Fernandes admitted. "I think I had a brilliant season and I could add that to my game. Obviously, for Dec it's more difficult for him to get that, because he plays a little bit deeper."
Despite the statistical gap, Fernandes insists Rice remains an "amazing player" who would have been a "perfect fit" for Manchester United—a sentiment that will surely add extra spice whenever these two midfield titans meet on the pitch.