Bruno Fernandes Discusses Declan Rice as Ideal Fit for Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes has enjoyed one of the best individual seasons of his Manchester United career. The club captain has once again led from the front during a difficult campaign.

The Portuguese midfielder was recently named the 2026 FWA Footballer of the Year after an outstanding season for Manchester United. Now, Fernandes has opened up on the Premier League player he believes would have been a ‘perfect fit’ for Old Trafford.

The player in question is Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice. During an interview with JoelBeyaTV, Fernandes admitted he was disappointed to see Rice join Arsenal instead of Manchester United back in 2023. “I’ve always said, 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,” Bruno Fernandes explained. “I always thought that he would be a perfect fit for our club.”

The comments come during a period where Fernandes and Rice are both being heavily recognised for their performances this season. Bruno Fernandes is currently competing with Declan Rice as two of the frontrunners for the PFA Player of the Year award.

Pundits including Roy Keane and Gary Neville have been recently debating who deserves to win the honour. Fernandes also praised Rice beyond just his footballing ability. The Manchester United captain highlighted the Arsenal midfielder’s mentality, professionalism and personality as major reasons why he believed he suited Old Trafford.

Rice has been one of Arsenal’s standout players this season as Mikel Arteta’s side continue pushing for major honours. Meanwhile, Fernandes has delivered huge numbers once again for Manchester United. The 31-year-old is one assist away from equalling the record for most assists in a single Premier League season, with two games remaining.

Bruno Fernandes was recently nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award alongside Rice after both midfielders produced exceptional individual campaigns. The pair also trained together in Portugal before Rice completed his record-breaking move from West Ham United to Arsenal in 2023.