Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has admitted he was “really sad” when Declan Rice chose Arsenal over a move to Old Trafford, insisting the England midfielder would have been the ideal signing for the Red Devils, according to SPORTbible.
Speaking to Joel Beya after receiving his FWA Footballer of the Year award, Fernandes reflected on the midfield talent that slipped through United’s grasp. “I’ve always said Rice was a player to play for Man United,” Fernandes stated. “I was really sad when he chose to go to Arsenal. I always thought that he’d be a perfect fit for our club. Not just for the player, but the person he is. If he won FWA instead of me, it’d be well deserved, too.”
Fernandes himself has been a standout performer for United in the latter half of the current campaign, demonstrating his influence with:
- Eight goals scored
- 20 assists registered
His assist tally places him just one shy of the all-time Premier League record of 20 in a single season, a testament to his creative output since arriving at United in 2020.
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A pivotal decision in 2021
The opportunity to sign Rice had presented itself to Manchester United years prior. Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had shown considerable interest in the midfielder back in 2021. However, the club made a strategic decision to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo instead of pursuing Rice further at that time.
Solskjaer, reflecting on the past, shared his thoughts with Stick to Football in 2024. “I really like him [Declan Rice] as a player – we’ve discussed him a few times, and I think we would’ve done well with him in midfield,” Solskjaer commented. “His legs, covering the pitch, and I think he improved a lot on his playmaking as well. Obviously, he would’ve cost some money, but we could’ve and should’ve gone for him.”
Rice eventually made a high-profile move to Arsenal in 2023 for £100 million, where he has since established himself as a cornerstone of their midfield.
United’s evolving midfield landscape
The context of Fernandes’s comments highlights current challenges within United’s midfield. Casemiro’s contract is set to expire this summer, creating a potential void. Additionally, big-money signings like Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte have yet to consistently impress since their arrivals. While academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo is expected to feature prominently next term, the club’s past decision regarding Rice now appears as a significant missed opportunity in retrospect, particularly given his impact at a rival club.
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Sources: www.sportbible.com
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