There is a huge debate going on among Arsenal and Manchester United supporters over who has had the better season – Declan Rice or Bruno Fernandes.
As we approach the end of the season, everyone is looking at who will win the individual awards. The Player of the Season crown from the PFA is the most prestigious one in England.
Rice is the favourite to win it, especially if the Gunners lift the Premier League title, but Fernandes has just won the Football Writers’ Association’s Player of the Year award.
That, in our opinion, is disgraceful, and Paul Merson seems to think the same.
🤔 Is Declan Rice a number six or a number eight?
Paul Merson shuts down Declan Rice vs Bruno Fernandes debate perfectly
The fact that there is even a debate between Declan Rice and Bruno Fernandes is a joke!
Yes, they are both incredible players who are capable of winning games for their side, but what they have done this season is far from the same.
Rice has been incredible for Arsenal and is on the verge of leading them to the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Fernandes, on the other hand, has played fewer matches than Arsenal have won this term, which means he has had all the rest in the world.

Those in the Football Writers’ Association who voted for the Manchester United man either forgot about the above or ignored it.
Merson, however, is fully aware of the difference between the two players.
He wrote on Sportskeeda: “I don’t even see a comparison between Bruno Fernandes and Declan Rice, to be honest!
“Bruno plays just once a week, but Rice is carrying Arsenal week in, week out in the Premier League and Champions League.
“Don’t get me wrong, Fernandes is having a great season. But there is no debate when it comes to Rice in my opinion.”
🏆 The Premier League Player of the Season award should be given to ____________
Paul Merson is right, Bruno Fernandes is not on Declan Rice’s level
Fernandes is Manchester United’s best player – there’s no debate there.
The Portugal international is absolutely amazing on his day, but he should walk out of the room when Rice walks in because they don’t belong in the same conversation this season.
If Fernandes had played the same way while having to deal with European football and extended domestic cup runs, he would be right up there.
The fact that he didn’t means Rice is the clear winner. Merson is right, this isn’t even a debate.
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