Bruno Fernandes, the Manchester United midfielder, has been named the Football Writers' Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year, an impressive feat for the 31-year-old. His outstanding form this season has helped secure a top-three finish for the Red Devils, despite a challenging start under former manager Ruben Amorim. Fernandes' exceptional performance includes 19 Premier League assists, just one short of the joint record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
In a recent interview, Fernandes revealed his admiration for Declan Rice, the Arsenal midfielder. He expressed his disappointment at Rice's decision to join Arsenal over Manchester United, stating, 'I've always thought that Rice was a player to play for Man United, and I was really sad when he chose to go to Arsenal.' Fernandes' respect for Rice is evident, as he highlights the player's qualities and personality, praising his performance this season.
The debate surrounding the FWA award winner has sparked discussions about the merits of both Fernandes and Rice. While Fernandes won the award, Rice finished second, and Piers Morgan criticized the decision, calling it a 'farce'. Fernandes, however, maintains that the award is not solely based on individual performance but also considers the team's success and the player's overall contribution.
Fernandes' respect for Rice is further demonstrated by his message of congratulations after Arsenal's Champions League final victory. He acknowledges the challenges Rice faces playing a deeper role and expresses his admiration for the player's abilities. As the season concludes, both Manchester United and Arsenal will determine their final standings in the Premier League, with the Champions League final on May 30th adding further intrigue to the remaining games.
