Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes has been collecting individual honours this season, but not everyone is convinced he deserves them. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has come out firmly in favour of Declan Rice as the true standout player of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

Fernandes was named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year for 2025/26, a decision that has drawn criticism from those who believe an Arsenal player — Rice in particular — was more deserving of the accolade.

Merson's case for Rice

Merson argues that Rice's contribution to Arsenal's Premier League title charge and their run to the Champions League final makes him the more credible candidate. Speaking on behalf of Historic Newspapers, he painted a picture of a player whose consistency has been the engine behind Arsenal's season.