Bruno Fernandes wrote his name alongside Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne in the Premier League record books on 17 May, equalling the all-time single-season assist record of 20 as Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 in a pulsating contest at Old Trafford that had controversy, drama and a standing ovation all before the final whistle.
United made an electric start when Luke Shaw volleyed the hosts in front after just five minutes, a goal that set the tone for an open and entertaining match between two sides with little left to play for. Both teams had already secured their primary objectives for the season, with United confirmed as Champions League returners and Forest having guaranteed their Premier League survival only last weekend.
Both sides wasted numerous chances before the interval, but Forest levelled seven minutes into the second half when Morato headed home Elliot Anderson’s inviting delivery at the back post.
United raced straight back up the pitch and Matheus Cunha swept home after the ball rebounded off Bryan Mbeumo’s thigh and then his arm. Michael Salisbury became the referee in an extremely rare occurrence by standing by his original decision to award the goal despite being asked by VAR to review the incident, with Mbeumo’s handball going unpunished. Morgan Gibbs-White almost immediately levelled again for Forest but was denied by Senne Lammens charging off his line.
The record-equalling moment arrived 14 minutes from time. Fernandes drilled a cross into the area and Mbeumo prodded it home for his first goal since February. The assist took Fernandes level with Henry’s famous 2002-03 season and De Bruyne’s 2019-20 campaign, both of which had stood as the benchmark for creativity in the Premier League era. Fernandes, who was recently crowned football writers’ player of the season, came within inches of breaking the record outright when Diogo Dalot hit the post from his pass deep into stoppage time.
Gibbs-White, making his first appearance since suffering a serious facial injury in a collision with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez earlier in the month, reduced the deficit with a composed finish from Anderson’s driven cross to set up a nervy finish. But United held on to secure the three points and add another victory to the impressive run that has defined Carrick’s tenure since he took charge in January.
The occasion was also marked by the farewell appearance of Casemiro at Old Trafford, the Brazilian midfielder receiving a deserved standing ovation from the home support when he was replaced by Mason Mount nine minutes from time.
Carrick himself is expected to sign a two-year deal to remain as United manager in the coming days, the reward for a remarkable turnaround that has seen United accumulate more points than any other side since his appointment.
