- Bruno Fernandes wanted Declan Rice at Man Utd
- Portuguese star full of praise
- Rice joined Arsenal for £105m in 2023
Bruno Fernandes has admitted he wanted Arsenal star Declan Rice to join Manchester United. The Portuguese midfielder is battling the Englishman for the PFA Player of the Year award.
Rice joined the Gunners from West Ham United back in the summer of 2023 in an £105m deal. The former Hammers captain was in high demand and the Red Devils were admirers.
The 27-year-old has more than lived up to expectations at the Emirates, being the driving force in their Premier League title pursuit this season. He and Fernandes are the favourites to be crowned the PFA Player of the Year.
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Fernandes: Rice Perfect For Man Utd
Fernandes has already won the FWA Player of the Year award this season amid an unbelievable campaign. He has bagged eight goals and 20 assists in 33 league games.
The 31-year-old spoke to the FWA’s Joel Beya after winning the award and he was asked for his thoughts on Rice. He said:
“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.”
Rice became Arsenal’s club record signing when he moved to North London. He hit the ground running with inspired performances and has been Mikel Arteta’s main man this season.
With four goals and seven assists in 35 league games, he is firing on all cylinders. Not only has his brilliance helped the Gunners lead the Premier League table with two games remaining.
Rice is also delivering in the Champions League and drove Arteta’s men to the final where they face Paris Saint-Germain on May 30th. If Fernandes had his way he’d be partnering up with him at Old Trafford.
Declan Rice a Dream For Man Utd
Rice’s profile makes him ideal to partner Kobbie Mainoo in United’s midfield. The defensive side of his game makes him one of the best number 6’s in European football.
Most fans dreamt of the England international joining the club when he instead moved to Arsenal. Casemiro has rolled back the years this season but the Brazilian departs at the end of the season.
Rice opted to head to the Emirates and there is little to no chance of ever seeing him in a United shirt. The club are searching for a Casemiro replacement and have placed Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni at the top of their wishlist.
