Bruno Fernandes (foto: Uradni FB/TW/IG profil igralca)
Piers Morgan reacted angrily after Bruno Fernandes won the Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award over Declan Rice.
Piers Morgan reacted furiously after Bruno Fernandes was named Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year ahead of Declan Rice.
The outspoken broadcaster and passionate Arsenal supporter openly criticized the decision on social media, calling the outcome a " farce."
Fernandes received the prestigious individual award after an outstanding campaign with Manchester United.
The Portuguese playmaker has enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of his career, leading several attacking statistics in the Premier League, especially assists and chance creation.
His influence became even more visible after coach Michael Carrick stabilized the team during the second half of the season.
Manchester United eventually climbed into third place and secured qualification for the Champions League.
The award also carried historical significance.
Fernandes became the first United player to win the FWA prize since Wayne Rooney in 2010.
However, many Arsenal supporters strongly believed the honor should have gone to Declan Rice.
The England international has been one of the key figures behind Arsenal’s title challenge after arriving from West Ham United for a club-record transfer fee in 2023.
Rice has played a central role in midfield and helped Arsenal maintain a five-point advantage at the top of the table heading into the final stretch of the season.
Following the announcement, Morgan reposted comments from another journalist who argued Rice deserved the award more than Fernandes.
"Exactly. It's a farce," Morgan wrote online.
Supporters backing Rice also pointed out that Arsenal had won more matches this season than Fernandes had appearances for United.
Despite the criticism, Michael Carrick strongly defended Fernandes after the award was confirmed.
"With an award like this that's judged over such a long period of time, I think whoever gets it is fully deserving of it."
"Bruno, this season that he's had, and certainly since I've been here, how he's performed and the impact that he's had on the group, has been fantastic."
"Fully deserved and delighted that he's got an award like that and he's one of ours."