Fernandes Equals Assist Record As Manchester United Beat Forest

Manchester United secured third place in the Premier League with a dramatic 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, as Bruno Fernandes matched the competition’s single-season assist record.

United scored early through Luke Shaw, who finished inside five minutes to set the tone in Manchester. The hosts led at the break, but the game exploded into life after half-time.

Forest drew level when Morato headed home in the 53rd minute. The equaliser was short-lived. Two minutes later, controversy arrived when Matheus Cunha restored United’s lead following a lengthy VAR review over a possible handball involving Bryan Mbeumo. The goal stood after the referee ruled the ball had deflected off Mbeumo’s hip.

Fernandes then delivered the defining moment. His cross was turned in by Mbeumo in the 76th minute, taking the United captain to 20 assists for the season and level with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne for the Premier League record.

Forest refused to give up. Morgan Gibbs-White pulled one back with 12 minutes remaining, but the visitors could not find an equaliser.

The afternoon also carried an emotional note as Casemiro received a standing ovation during his final appearance at Old Trafford.

The win gives interim boss Michael Carrick the result required to secure third place, with one league match still to play.