At a Glance:
Bruno Fernandes claiming Declan Rice being perfect for Manchester United.
Arsenal fans on Fernandes’ admission.
Fernandes on Rice’s professionalism and personality.
Bruno Fernandes has claimed that in his eyes, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice should have been a Manchester United player.
The Portuguese international told Joel Beya: “I’ve always said, 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. I didn’t know it was the opportunity or the chance for him to come to Manchester United.
Fernandes added: “But I’ve thought that he would be a perfect fit for our club.”
BRUNO FERNANDES WANTED DECLAN RICE TO JOIN MANCHESTER UNITED 👀 pic.twitter.com/D9qlAsuCMa
— Joel Beya (@joelbeya) May 15, 2026
Rice is arguably the Premier League’s best player and since joining Mikel Arteta’s side in 2023, he has gone from strength to strength.
While some would argue that the Englishman could have won the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup if he had joined United, the Gunners have been consistently challenging for Premier League titles unlike the Red Devils.
Furthermore, Arsenal could win the Champions League as well as the league this season. The 31-year-old’s comments have drawn several reactions on X from Arsenal fans.
Arsenal fans on Bruno Fernandes admitting Declan Rice was perfect for Man United
One Arsenal fan commented on Fernandes’ admission by simply writing: “How lucky are we to have Declan, man.”
How lucky are we to have Declan man
— Arsene’s Indian Son (@AFCRayy) May 15, 2026
Another supporter suggested the midfielder to sign for the North Londoners instead, asking: “Bruno, my man, what if I tell you there’s a way you can still be his teammate?”
Bruno my man what if I tell you there’s a way you can still be his team mate. https://t.co/YExK7kQ1t6
— radiant black (@clrbdlm) May 15, 2026
A third Arsenal fan suspected Fernandes’ claim about Rice, who is excelling at Arsenal was a come-get-me plea from him to leave Manchester United: “Arsenal, please come and get me out from this mess.”
“ARSENAL please come and get me out from this mess”😂💔 https://t.co/HyEg2DOKEF
— Heywhy2409☘️🧸♣️ (@Heywhy2409) May 15, 2026
While pundits like Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have hailed Rice, the Arsenal dynamo has his sceptics and a fan responded to them by reacting to Fernandes’ revelation stating: “Later, they’ll say Declan Rice is not world-class.”
Later they’ll say Declan Rice is not world class https://t.co/f2dQMgn88W
— Peter (@iamDextop) May 15, 2026
Another supporter simply appreciated the two players by writing: “Ballers know ballers.”
Ballers know ballers. https://t.co/LUPVGL28IC
— LMC (@AFCwlw) May 15, 2026
Lastly, a sixth Arsenal fan commented by claiming: “Your favourite player’s favourite player.”
Your favourite player favourite player 😂 https://t.co/BMbqqJA0IO
— ghost (@laaythe) May 15, 2026
Ultimately, the former West Ham United captain still has two years left on his contract and there seem to be no signs that he intends to leave Arsenal.
Bruno Fernandes reveals why Declan Rice to Man United made sense
Fernandes also revealed that Rice would have been a brilliant fit at Manchester United for his professionalism and character, something Arsenal fans can attest to since the latter joined their club.
“Just not for the player he is, as I said before because of the person he is, for the professional, he showed me that he is and for his personality. And I think what he’s been doing this season is great.”
Ultimately, Mikel Arteta will be hoping that Rice wins silverware this season and goes on to cement his status as an Arsenal legend for years to come.