Bruno Fernandes beat Declan Rice to be named Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year, leaving Arsenal fan Piers Morgan furious
Bruno Fernandes named FWA Player of the Year (Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
Manager Piers Morgan has taken aim at the “ridiculous” decision to award Bruno Fernandes the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award ahead of Declan Rice.
The Portuguese star was praised for what was arguably his most creative season since joining Manchester United. He continues to contribute to his teammates on a regular basis and is at the top of many metrics, including assists.
Fernandes’ success comes despite United’s struggles in the first half of the season, but the team’s results have improved significantly since Michael Carrick arrived.
As a result, he won the individual gong, beating out Arsenal defender Rice to become the first United player to win the award since Wayne Rooney in 2010. The midfielder could still end the season as a Premier League and Champions League winner.
He fully justifies the Gunners’ biggest ever fee in 2023 and has enjoyed one of his best years this year, spearheading the team’s ambitions. Morgan felt he was a candidate for this award.
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The broadcaster, himself a keen Arsenal fan, took to social media to lament Fernandes’ award. Rice went on to quote another journalist’s tweet, which he felt was far more admirable than Fernandez’s, saying, “You’re right. It’s a travesty.”
It was noted that Rice won 35 more games than the 34 games played by Fernandez. The England star is a pillar of Arsenal’s midfield and has strengthened in recent weeks to allay fears the Gunners are facing a late-season collapse. They currently lead the table by five points.
Declan Rice is a hugely influential figure for Arsenal (Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)
Fernandes’ performance moves United into third place and a return to the Champions League. The Portuguese star becomes the ninth United star to win the award, following the likes of Eric Cantona, Roy Keane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Michael Carrick said of the playmaker: “It’s an award like this that’s been judged over such a long period of time, so I think whoever wins it is well deserved. And I think Bruno, his performances and the impact he’s had on the group this season that he’s had, and of course since I’ve been here, have been fantastic. So, yeah, it’s well deserved and I’m delighted for him to win an award like that and for him to be one of us.”
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