Gary Lineker says Man Utd star could beat Declan Rice to Player of the Season award

Gary Lineker has named Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as a contender for the Player of the Season award along with Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Fernandes’ superb form continued in Sunday’s thrilling 3-2 win over Fulham, with the Portuguese playmaker providing two assists to take his overall tally for the season to 12.

The 31-year-old has contributed five goals on top of his dozen assists, starring for a Manchester United side who have climbed back into the Champions League places under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.

Lineker believes Fernandes is benefitting from playing further up the pitch under Carrick, having predominately been used in a deeper role by former manager Ruben Amorim.

The ex-England striker has in fact been so impressed by Fernandes’ form that he views the ‘bloody good footballer’ as a serious contender for the Premier League Player of the Season award.

Lineker named influential Arsenal duo Rice and Gabriel and Manchester City’s prolific striker Erling Haaland as three other contenders for the coveted gong.

Rice and Gabriel are both enjoying brilliant seasons at the Emirates Stadium, helping the Gunners take a commanding lead in the Premier League title race and top the Champions League group phase.

‘They have got some talent in that [Manchester United] squad,’ Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast.

‘[Matheus] Cunha and [Bryan] Mbeumo have settled in very well. Bruno is playing further forward and got himself a couple of assists.

‘We were talking a bit earlier on with a few of the lads about the Player of the Year award and the possible frontrunners.

‘It’s only February so it’s early but if United continue to go really well and Bruno gets a few more goals and assists… I mean, who else would be in the running?

‘Erling Haaland will be if he starts scoring again which he will. Declan Rice and Gabriel, who is a fantastic defender.

‘There’s no one obviously at the moment m but he’s a bloody good footballer you know, Bruno Fernandes. He’s a really good player.’ 

Micah Richards added on Fernandes, who has been named Manchester United’s Player of the Season four times: ‘He’s a top, top player.

‘The manager is playing him in the right position and he’s shining. Even when United weren’t doing great he always stepped up with something.’

The brilliant start to Carrick’s spell as caretaker manager has led to calls for the United legend to get the job permanently.

Lineker has been impressed by Carrick’s time in charge but says it would be unwise for Manchester United to make a final decision on their next manager before the end of the season.

‘What a great start for Michael Carrick, it’s great for him and a real lift for the club the way it’s started,’ Lineker added.

‘I can’t see there’s any real point of making a decision before the end of the season. You can’t win three or four games and make the decision and give him a contract.

‘The sensible thing would be to wait until the end of the season and see how it goes and then look at the situation.

‘But he’s done everything right so far. He’s clearly an intelligent guy, we could see that by the way he played. It’s a really, really good start.’

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