Declan Rice shines on PFA Awards red carpet alongside United boss and Liverpool great in Manchester

A host of English football’s leading figures descended on Manchester on Tuesday night for the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Awards at the Opera House Theatre, with Arsenal’s five‑man contingent including Declan Rice joining Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish on the red carpet.

By LUKE AUGUSTUS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR, 25 August 2026.

Arsenal’s five‑man contingent

Champions Arsenal were represented by David Raya, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Declan Rice. The quintet hope to feature in the PFA Team of the Year and may contest the PFA Player of the Year award. Arsenal pursued the title with Manchester City last season and defeated City in the Community Shield two Sundays ago.

Manchester City’s young trio

Manchester City arrived with Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki and 21‑year‑old Nico O’Reilly. Semenyo enjoyed a prolific season at Bournemouth and City, while O’Reilly’s breakout campaign earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup semi‑final squad and makes him a favourite for the PFA Young Player of the Year.

Manchester United’s new midfield signing and Fernandes’ race

Man United were represented by head coach Michael Carrick and CEO Omar Berrada after completing a £70 million transfer for Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion. Baleba is expected to add dynamism to United’s midfield and will operate behind captain Bruno Fernandes, who is a leading contender for PFA Player of the Year after breaking the Premier League assists record with 21, winning the Football Writers’ Association men’s Footballer of the Year and being named Premier League player of the season.

Liverpool icon Kenny Dalglish attended the event with his wife Marina, adding further star power to the night.

Arsenal’s women’s side were also well represented, with Alessia Russo, Mariona Caldentey, Emily Fox and Olivia Smith on the carpet, alongside former Lionesses Karen Carney, Eni Aluko, Jordan Nobbs and Toni Duggan.

Former male internationals Mikael Silvestre, Sebastian Bassong, Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic and Kolo Toure joined the crowd. Silvestre, a member of FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel, used X to call for Gianni Infantino’s resignation, a message echoed by Emmanuel Petit and Lucy Bronze.

The criticism extended to UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin’s call for Infantino to step down, with ex‑players urging a reshaping of football governance. Silvestre’s statement highlighted the Players’ Voice Panel’s role in monitoring racism and championing structural change within the sport.