Bruno Fernandes: Declan Rice Would Have Been ‘Perfect’ for Man United
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed his disappointment that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice did not join the Red Devils, insisting the England international would have been the ‘perfect fit” at Old Trafford.
Fernandes, who has been named the PFA Football Writers’ Player of the Year and is shortlisted for the Premier League Player of the Year Award, has enjoyed a stellar individual campaign.
The Portuguese playmaker has registered 29 goal involvements in the league, including eight goals and 20 assists, leaving him just one assist shy of breaking the Premier League record of 21 in a single season, jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Speaking in an interview with Joel Baya, Fernandes admitted he was ‘sad’ when Rice opted to join Arsenal from West Ham United in a £105 million transfer in 2023.
‘I’ve always said, Rice was a player to play for Man Utd. I was really sad when he chose to go Arsenal. I always thought he would be a perfect fit for our club,’ Fernandes said.
Rice had been on United’s radar as far back as 2021, when then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed discussions had taken place about signing the midfielder.
Ultimately, United pursued Raphael Varane instead, leaving Arsenal to secure Rice’s signature two years later.
