Arsenal star Declan Rice has received glowing praise from Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.
Rice officially joined Arsenal from West Ham United in July 2023 for a club-record £105 million transfer fee.
During an interview with Joel Beya, Fernandes revealed that he wanted Man United to sign Declan Rice before his blockbuster transfer to the Emirates Stadium.
The United star said: “I admire him a lot. First of all, as a person, because I’ve known him from the Algarve when we were training together and everything.
“I’ve always said, Rice was a player to play for Man United, I was really sad when he chose to go Arsenal.
“I always thought he would be a perfect fit for our club.”
Those comments perfectly sum up how badly United misjudged the situation.
For years, United were linked with Rice, yet they hesitated when it mattered most.
The Gunners shattered their transfer record and that player is now ready to drive them towards their first Premier League title in 22 years.
While Mikel Arteta continues building a side capable of competing for the biggest trophies in Europe, United are once again heading into another rebuilding phase after an inconsistent campaign.
Rice has completely transformed Arsenal both on and off the pitch since arriving in north London.
The England star has become the heartbeat of Arteta’s side, combining elite leadership with dominant performances in midfield week after week.
He has been exceptional throughout the season and could yet inspire Arsenal to a historic Premier League and UEFA Champions League double.
United supporters can only imagine what a midfield partnership involving Rice and Fernandes could have looked like at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils also missed out on signing Viktor Gyokeres last summer.
The Swedish striker has exploded into superb form in recent months and could become another painful transfer regret for the Manchester giants in the years ahead.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com