Manchester United’s skipper, Bruno Fernandes, has expressed his regret that Declan Rice opted to join Arsenal instead of his club. Speaking in a recent interview, Fernandes admitted he was genuinely disappointed when the English midfielder chose the Gunners over a potential switch to Old Trafford.
The Portuguese playmaker recalled his impressions of Rice from their encounters when the latter played for West Ham, noting that he always believed Rice possessed the qualities needed to succeed at Manchester United. Fernandes remarked that he had long envisioned Rice as an ideal candidate for the Red Devils.
Rice’s transfer to Arsenal in 2023 made him the most expensive signing in the club’s history, with a deal worth £105 million. Since then, he has become a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s squad. However, both Manchester United and Manchester City were also linked with the midfielder before he eventually moved to north London.
Fernandes stated, ‘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.’ His comments highlight the lingering sense of what might have been for United.