'I was really sad...' - Bruno Fernandes hates that 'perfect' player rejected Man Utd

Bruno Fernandes had one man in mind when discussing who he thought would've been 'perfect' playing alongside him in Manchester United's midfield.

United captain Fernandes has received plaudits for his strong performances in the second half of this season.

After being played out of position under previous manager Ruben Amorim, Fernandes has silenced his critics back in the number 10 under Michael Carrick.

The Portugal international has scored eight goals and registered a whopping 19 assists, which puts him within one of the all-time Premier League record of 20 with two games remaining in this campaign.

Fernandes has been United's standout midfielder since arriving in 2020, although the club have failed to surround him with equal quality.

Casemiro's contract will expire this summer, while Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte have underwhelmed despite big-money moves. Kobbie Mainoo, an academy graduate, is the only midfielder United currently have on the books that you can confidently say will have a role next term.

If Fernandes had it his way, a very familiar face would've been lining up alongside him at Old Trafford.

Fernandes is a big fan of Declan Rice. Image credit: Getty

Speaking to Joel Beya after picking up his FWA Footballer of the Year award, Fernandes admitted he would've loved Arsenal star Declan Rice to join United from West Ham when choosing the first transfer of his career.

The 31-year-old even went as far as to say Rice was a player made to play for the Red Devils. He explained: "I've always said Rice was a player to play for Man United. 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."

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United's failed bid to sign Declan Rice

Fernandes knows how desperate United were to secure Rice's signature when he was first breaking through.

Ex-United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer showed interest in the England international back in 2021.

United were crying out for a midfielder at the time, having splashed out on Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane after finishing second.

"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 told Stick to Football in 2024. "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."

They decided to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo rather than follow up on their interest in Rice. The England international eventually joined Arsenal for £100 million in 2023, becoming one of the standout players in the whole country.