Fernandes ties assist record; United edge Forest in controversial win

Bruno Fernandes equaled the Premier League record for assists in a season as Manchester United held on to defeat Nottingham Forest 3-2, in a match overshadowed by controversial officiating. The win solidified United’s third-place position and secured Champions League qualification under interim manager Michael Carrick.

Fernandes, who had considered leaving the club a year ago, now shares the single-season assist record with Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry, with 20 assists.

Referee Michael Salisbury became the center of attention for allowing a goal by Matheus Cunha to stand despite a clear handball by Bryan Mbeumo in the buildup, which he deemed accidental to the confusion of players and fans.

Luke Shaw scored his first United goal in over three years, but Morato equalized for Forest with a header. Immediately after the restart, Mbeumo controlled the ball with his biceps and chest to set up Cunha, who scored, but the celebration was muted pending a VAR review.

Despite a lengthy delay, Salisbury confirmed the goal, sparking anger from the Forest bench and traveling supporters.

“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. For me, it’s handball, very clear,” Forest head coach Vitor Pereira said.

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

Carrick praised his team’s achievement in reaching third place after taking over from Ruben Amorim, but acknowledged that significant investment is needed to compete on all fronts next season.

“I genuinely think it was a fantastic achievement to be where we are at the moment. 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,” Carrick said.

Casemiro received a farewell at Old Trafford, with the Brazilian midfielder potentially replaced by Forest’s Elliot Anderson. The 34-year-old has grown popular over four seasons but was unlikely to stay another year.

A banner reading “Até a morte” (to the death) was displayed before kickoff, representing Casemiro’s warrior spirit through good and bad times.

Every Casemiro tackle was cheered, and fans chanted “shooooooot!” whenever he had the ball near goal. He received a standing ovation when substituted in the 80th minute, appearing emotional.

Casemiro leaves United with only a League Cup and FA Cup medal, having missed the 2024 FA Cup final, during a muted period that Carrick is tasked with changing.

Anderson was Forest’s most influential player, creating both goals and harassing Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo with constant energy, showing his value as a teammate rather than opponent.

After the controversy, Mbeumo scored from his fourth clear chance — Fernandes’ 20th assist — which seemed to seal the win. But Forest responded as Anderson set up Gibbs-White for a tense finish.

United’s final home game last season was a win against Aston Villa to finish 15th, after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham and hitting rock bottom under Amorim.

Carrick, who addressed the crowd after the match, has restored optimism and returned United to the Champions League, but warned that there can be no rest at Old Trafford.