Bruno Fernandes Says He Was Sad As Declan Rice Chose Arsenal Over Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes has admitted feeling "really sad" that Declan Rice chose Arsenal instead of joining Manchester United, as the midfielder continues a standout season. Rice has been central to Mikel Arteta's team, which is close to a Premier League crown and preparing for a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Rice, signed from West Ham for a reported 105m in 2023, has quickly become a key figure in Arsenal's midfield. Arsenal are within two matches of a first league title since 2003-04, while also chasing European glory later this month against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

Both Bruno Fernandes and Declan Rice are on the Premier League Player of the Season shortlist, underlining their influence. Rice has now been nominated in all three campaigns with Arsenal. The England midfielder has played 3,009 league minutes this season, the highest among Arsenal outfield players, showing consistent availability and importance.

Rice also leads Arsenal in expected assists, with an xA of 6.9, and averages 5.2 possession regains per 90 minutes. These numbers highlight Rice's dual role in attack and defence. The midfielder's contribution has been vital to Arsenal maintaining regular title challenges under Mikel Arteta across recent seasons.

Before moving to the Emirates, Rice reportedly drew interest from Manchester City, illustrating the level of demand for the midfielder. Bruno Fernandes, however, hoped Rice would arrive at Old Trafford. The Manchester United captain believed Rice could strengthen the squad and bring personality and leadership to the dressing room.

Speaking on JoelBeyaTV's YouTube channel, Bruno Fernandes explained long-standing respect for Rice, rooted in earlier training camps in Portugal. Fernandes said: "To be honest, I admire him a lot, first of all as a person, because I know him from the Algarve when we were training together and everything."

Fernandes then detailed why Rice seemed ideal for Manchester United, while acknowledging Arsenal's different style. Fernandes said: "Obviously, I knew him already from West Ham and we all knew the qualities he had and I have always said that I thought Rice was a player to play for Man United. I was really sad when he chose to go to Arsenal, I don't know if there was the opportunity or the chance to come to Manchester United, but I always thought that he would be the perfect fit for our club. Not just for the player he is but for the person he is, for the professional, he showed me that he is in for his personality and I think what he has been doing this season is a different position, it is a different style of play. The way Arsenal play is different from the way we play, so we can't compare the players but what we can say is that he has been one of the standout players from the Premier League this season."

Rice's 2025-26 statistics underline that praise.

Bruno Fernandes' comments highlight how highly Rice is regarded within the league, even by rivals. While Arsenal benefit from Rice's form in both domestic and European campaigns, Manchester United are left considering what might have happened had the midfielder made a different transfer choice in 2023.