Bruno Fernandes matches assist record as Man United edge Nottingham Forest

Bruno Fernandes equaled the Premier League record for assists in a season as Manchester United held off a battling Nottingham Forest 3-2, with controversial officiating overshadowing Michael Carrick’s ongoing revival at Old Trafford.

Fernandes registered his 20th league assist of the campaign, tying the mark set by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry, in a victory that all but secured third place and Champions League qualification for United.

Referee Michael Salisbury drew heavy criticism for allowing Matheus Cunha’s equalizer to stand despite a clear handball by Bryan Mbeumo in the buildup, a decision Forest manager Vitor Pereira called “very clear” handball.

Luke Shaw opened the scoring with his first United goal in over three years, but Morato headed Forest level before halftime.

Seconds after the restart, Mbeumo controlled the ball with his biceps and chest before setting up Cunha, but Salisbury ruled the goal valid, citing the handball as “accidental,” sparking confusion and anger from Forest’s bench and traveling fans.

“It was a pity that the game was decided for a decision that I must accept because it’s the decision of the ref but it’s not my opinion,” Pereira said. “For me, it’s handball, very clear.”

“I think it’s important to have a meeting with everybody and try to understand the rules, the decisions,” he added. “Because, I think, everybody, all the managers have thoughts about some decisions.”

Carrick, who took over after Ruben Amorim’s turbulent reign, praised his team’s resolve and noted the need for significant investment to compete on all fronts next season.

“I genuinely think it was a fantastic achievement to be where we are at the moment,” Carrick said. “The players deserve a lot of credit for that. The closer you get to the top of the league then the harder it gets. You’ve got to make big steps, but it’s harder to make them big steps.”

Casemiro received an emotional farewell at Old Trafford, with a banner reading “Até a morte” (to the death) unfurled before kickoff, as the 34-year-old Brazilian appears set to leave the club after four seasons.

Every Casemiro tackle drew cheers, and fans demanded shots whenever he had the ball near goal, before he was substituted in the 80th minute to a standing ovation.

Casemiro leaves with only a League Cup and an FA Cup medal, missing the 2024 FA Cup final, as part of a muted period Carrick aims to reverse.

Forest’s Elliot Anderson was the visitors’ most influential player, harassing Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo and creating both Forest goals, showcasing the energy that makes him a difficult opponent.

After the controversy, Mbeumo scored his fourth clear chance of the match—set up by Fernandes’s 20th assist—to seemingly seal the win, but Forest responded through Morgan Gibbs-White’s intuitive finish off an Anderson pass, setting up a tense finish.

United won their final home game last season against Aston Villa to finish 15th, having lost the Europa League final to Tottenham as the club hit rock bottom under Amorim.

There was optimism then that things could improve, and Carrick, who addressed the crowd at full time, has guided United back to Europe’s top table.

The apathy that once shrouded Old Trafford has dissipated, but Carrick acknowledged there can be no complacency as the club prepares for increased demands next season.