Television presenter and outspoken Arsenal supporter Piers Morgan has blasted the decision to hand Bruno Fernandes the Premier League Player of the Year award ahead of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.
Morgan reacted furiously after Fernandes claimed the award following a standout season for Manchester United, despite Arsenal ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.
The United captain has already won the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award and could still complete an individual treble if he lands the PFA Players’ Player of the Year honour.
Morgan brands Fernandes a “serial loser”
Morgan questioned how Fernandes could be rewarded over Rice, who played a central role in Arsenal’s title-winning campaign.
“WHAT IS GOING ON?” Morgan wrote on social media.
“How can a serial loser this season beat a man who has driven Arsenal to our first League title in 22 years?
“This is complete madness.”
Fernandes became the first Manchester United player since Nemanja Vidić in 2011 to win the Premier League Player of the Year award.
The Portuguese midfielder has registered eight league goals and equalled the Premier League single-season assist record with 20, matching Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
Carrick praises Fernandes leadership
Despite the criticism, United manager Michael Carrick strongly defended Fernandes and praised his professionalism and influence behind the scenes.
“You all see the headlines and the creativeness and the performance he puts in to be so consistent and to live his life every single day,” Carrick said.
“We try to give him a day off but he always comes in. He’s always at breakfast before me.
“He gets a lot of headlines for the assists record and performances this season but I think it’s mostly off the pitch that I appreciate.
“He’s a special footballer, we’re lucky to have him in the team and certainly lucky to have him in the football club.”
While Fernandes has previously lifted the FA Cup and League Cup with United, Rice could still end the season with a double if Arsenal win the Champions League final against PSG next weekend.
