Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League single-season assist record as Manchester United secured a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford to seal third place.
The United captain set up his 20th league goal of the campaign when he floated a cross that Bryan Mbeumo diverted in, matching Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. Fernandes created eight chances in the match — the joint-most by a player in a Premier League game this season — and almost made history outright when Diogo Dalot struck the far post late on.
It was a memorable afternoon at Old Trafford for more than one reason: fans also said farewell to Casemiro, who started in what was billed as his final home game for the club.
Match summary
United took an early lead when Luke Shaw arrowed in a rare strike after just six minutes. Forest had chances to reply immediately: Senne Lammens denied Morgan Gibbs-White in a one-on-one, and Bryan Mbeumo hit the near post from a tight angle during a dangerous counter.
After the break Mbeumo squandered a gilt-edged chance from close range, and Forest punished United for the miss when Morato powered home an Elliot Anderson cross to level.
United responded and a controversial goal followed. Matheus Cunha’s strike appeared to come after the ball hit Mbeumo on the hip and rebounded into Cunha’s path. The on-field decision stood after a VAR check and the referee went to the monitor, awarding the goal — a decision that drew strong reaction from pundits and Forest’s camp.
With 14 minutes remaining Fernandes delivered the cross that Mbeumo again diverted in to restore United’s lead. Forest kept pushing and Morgan Gibbs-White produced a fine finish to make it 3-2, but United held on despite late chances for the visitors and a brilliant block by Forest keeper Matz Sels to deny Joshua Zirkzee.
The result confirmed United’s third-place finish; Forest, already safe, remain 16th and will host Bournemouth in their final game with Premier League status secured.
Controversy
The awarding of Cunha’s goal dominated post-match debate. Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville described the decision as “a shocker,” while Forest manager Vitor Pereira called the incident a “very clear” handball and said it effectively decided the game. VAR reviewed the incident and the referee ultimately upheld the on-field call.
Key performers and stats
Bruno Fernandes was named Player of the Match after creating eight chances and recording his 20th assist of the season. Sky Sports analysis noted Fernandes has created 132 chances this year, nearly double the next player on the list.
Full player ratings (selected):
– Man Utd: Lammens 6, Dalot 7, Maguire 6, Martinez 6, Shaw 7, Casemiro 7, Mainoo 7, Fernandes 9, Cunha 8, Mbeumo 6
– Nottingham Forest: Sels 6, Morato 7, Anderson 8, Gibbs-White 8
Team news
Casemiro returned to the starting XI for his Old Trafford farewell, with Diogo Dalot and Bryan Mbeumo also reinstated. For Forest, Morgan Gibbs-White started for the first time since suffering a head injury at Chelsea; Omari Hutchinson and Chris Wood were included as the visitors reverted to a back four.
Reactions
Fernandes: “I want collective awards more than anything, but knowing that your job is being recognised by many people… I got to 20 today. Let’s see. We have one more game. I will be very happy to do it. But if I don’t, I am already happy because it is the most assists I have got in the Premier League.”
Manager Michael Carrick praised the way his side finished the season at home, calling Fernandes’ achievement “a really nice moment for everybody” and commending the captain’s team-first approach.
Forest boss Vitor Pereira rued the decision that went against his side and said the handball was clear in his view, lamenting that it decided the outcome.
Verdict
An entertaining final home game for United fans: a strong individual display from Fernandes, a handful of refereeing controversy, and a comeback attempt from a spirited Forest side. United can now focus on finishing the season on a high in their remaining fixture, while Forest prepare to entertain their supporters knowing their top-flight safety is assured.