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Piers Morgan dismisses Bruno Fernandes’ Player of the Year award, insists Arsenal star deserved it
26th August, 2026 07:35 AM
Media personality Piers Morgan has dismissed the nomination of Bruno Fernandes for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award as undeserved.
The Manchester United skipper was the winner of the award voted by English Premier League players, but the renowned pundit held that he was not the best candidate. According to Morgan, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice would have been a deserved winner.
The midfielder received the prestigious and one of the most respected individual accolades in English football at the PFA Awards ceremony in Manchester on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
He edged Rice, who led the Gunners to the English Premier League title as Mikel Arteta’s team ended a 22-year wait for the domestic crown, and finished top of the English top tier ahead of Manchester City and Bruno’s Manchester United, who came in third.
Other awards
Bruno had previously been named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for the 2025–26 season after a record-breaking campaign. In that season, the Portuguese midfielder broke the record for the most assists in a single Premier League campaign with 21.
His individual success surpassed Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry’s shared record of 20 assists in a Premier League campaign, even as United ended the season trophyless.
His latest win makes him the first United player to win the award since Wayne Rooney in 2010.
Bruno on his PFA win
Speaking on his achievement, he said it means a lot to a kid who never dreamed of playing professional football:
“It means a lot, especially being voted for by the players I step onto the pitch with every weekend. It is a very grateful moment for the game. I am passionate about this sport—this was everything I’ve ever done. I do it, although not perfectly.”
He also described the win as special compared to other trophies he has won:
“Having the opportunity to represent so many clubs and my national team, to be included in these types of awards, is something I never imagined. But it is something I look back on and see that kid, and it makes me proud,” he said.
