United captain regrets missed Rice opportunity as squad rebuild begins

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has publicly expressed regret over the club’s failure to sign Declan Rice in 2021, stating the midfielder would have been a "perfect fit" for the team. Fernandes made these remarks while accepting the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year Award, noting his disappointment that Rice chose Arsenal instead. The comments coincide with United’s current squad planning, as they prepare for the summer departure of defensive midfielder Casemiro and are targeting Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson as a replacement.

Rice has been a standout performer for Arsenal this season, contributing to their top-of-the-table Premier League position and Champions League final appearance, while Fernandes remains in contention for the Premier League Player of the Season award. The Portuguese midfielder has registered eight goals and 20 assists in 35 appearances for United this season, placing him one assist shy of the Premier League record of 20 held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.

United are currently preparing for the departure of defensive midfielder Casemiro, who is set to leave as a free agent this summer after his final home game against Nottingham Forest. The 34-year-old has started all but one game under manager Michael Carrick, with the sole exception being a recent injury absence in a 0-0 draw against Sunderland. Casemiro is expected to face his potential successor at Old Trafford this weekend, with Elliot Anderson lined up for the West Bridgford side.

Anderson is a primary target for the Red Devils following his explosive form this campaign, with reports suggesting he is open to a move. INEOS are banking on their rewarding Premier League-proven strategy to secure the Englishman, who has arguably been the best in his position in the league of late. The club is looking to rectify a past mistake after failing to sign Rice, who is now running riot at the Emirates.

Rice recorded five goals and 11 assists in 53 appearances for Arsenal this season, helping the club reach the Champions League final and top the Premier League table after 36 games. Fernandes revealed his personal regret over missing out on Rice, stating: “I’ve always said, Rice was a player to play for Man United, I was really sad when he chose to go Arsenal.” The comments were made during an interview with Joel Beya, highlighting United's failure to sign Rice in 2021 as a past mistake.

In the summer of 2021, United failed to sign Rice, instead investing in Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, and Jadon Sancho amid rumours of Paul Pogba’s exit. Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has previously admitted Rice was on his wish list at the time, with the midfielder having reportedly asked international team-mates Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw about the club. Two summers later, Rice completed a blockbuster move to Arsenal.

Fernandes and Rice share mutual respect and even trained together during a summer camp in Portugal in 2024. The United skipper is currently competing with Rice for the Premier League Player of the Season award, underscoring the significance of the missed opportunity. United must now ensure they do not repeat this error in their pursuit of Anderson, who is expected to line up for Nottingham Forest against United this weekend.