Television presenter and outspoken Arsenal fan Piers Morgan blew the decision out of hand Bruno Fernandes the Premier League Player of the Year Award in front of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.
Morgan reacted strongly after Fernandes picked up the award after a remarkable season for Manchester United, despite Arsenal ending their 22-year wait for the Premier League title.
The United captain has already won the Football Writers Association Footballer of the Year and could still complete an individual treble if he wins the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.
Morgan declared Fernandes a “serial loser”
Morgan wondered how Fernandes could be rewarded instead of Rice, who played a central role in Arsenal’s title campaign.
“WHAT’S GOING ON?” Morgan wrote on social media.
“How can a serial loser this season beat the man who led 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 award for the best player in the Premier League.
The Portuguese midfielder scored eight league goals and equaled the Premier League record for assists in a single season with 20, level with 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 creativity and the performance he gives to be so consistent and live his life every day,” Carrick said.
“We try to give him a day off, but he always comes in. He’s always at breakfast before me.”
“He’s getting a lot of headlines for his assist record and performance this season, but I think it’s off the court that I appreciate the most.
“He is a special footballer, we are happy to have him in the team and we are certainly happy to have him in the football club.”
While Fernandes has previously won the FA Cup and League Cup with United, Rice could still complete the season with a double if Arsenal win the Champions League final against PSG next weekend.
