Bruno Fernandes equalled the all-time Premier League record for assists in a single season as Manchester United secured third place with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. The United captain's cross from the right was turned home by Bryan Mbeumo to make it 3-1, taking him level with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne on 20 assists with one game of the season remaining.
It was a memorable final home game of the campaign for the hosts, who celebrated the news that Michael Carrick is set to stay on as head coach and bade an emotional farewell to Casemiro in his last Old Trafford appearance. Yet for all the milestones and sentiment, the afternoon will also be remembered for another contentious VAR episode that left Forest fuming and pundits incredulous.
A Dream Start From an Unlikely Source
United made the perfect start when Luke Shaw scored his first goal since January 2023. Forest failed to clear their lines, Shaw picked up a half-cleared cross and sent a low shot skidding into the bottom corner inside the opening six minutes. It was only the left-back's fifth goal in all competitions for the club and a rare moment of quality in an otherwise sluggish opening that saw Casemiro and Carrick serenaded by the home support.