Bruno Fernandes matched the Premier League’s single-season assist record as Manchester United edged Nottingham Forest in a thrilling five-goal clash at Old Trafford.
The United captain provided his 20th assist of the campaign when Bryan Mbeumo converted his cross to make it 3-1, drawing Fernandes level with Premier League greats Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne with one match still left to play.
Manchester United also sealed third place under interim boss Michael Carrick, who is yet to be officially announced as the club’s permanent manager. The afternoon also saw Casemiro receive a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd during what appeared to be his farewell appearance.
Fernandes’ milestone, however, shared the spotlight with another controversial VAR moment. Nottingham Forest had just levelled through Morato after Luke Shaw’s early opener when United restored their lead in disputed fashion.
Diogo Dalot delivered a cross into the box and Mbeumo appeared to control the ball with his upper arm before his effort deflected kindly for Matheus Cunha to finish first time.
Although referee Michael Salisbury was sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR official Matthew Donohue, the goal was eventually allowed to stand after lengthy checks, with officials ruling the ball had come off Mbeumo’s hip rather than his arm prompting loud boos from both sets of supporters.
Morgan Gibbs-White pulled one back for Forest late on, but the visitors could not find an equaliser as United held on for victory.
