Bruno Fernandes matched the Premier League record for most assists in a single season as Manchester United sealed third place with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
Fernandes, recently named Football Writers’ Player of the Year, joined Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne on 20 Premier League assists after his low cross was converted by Bryan Mbeumo for United’s third goal.
Mbeumo was also at the centre of the game’s biggest controversy after a handball in the build-up to Matheus Cunha’s strike went unpunished despite a VAR review.
With United already assured of a return to the Champions League and Forest having secured Premier League survival last weekend, both teams approached the match with little pressure, resulting in an open and entertaining contest.
United made a flying start when Luke Shaw volleyed the hosts into the lead after just five minutes.
Both sides created several opportunities before the break, but Forest eventually found an equaliser seven minutes into the second half.
An inviting delivery from Elliot Anderson was headed home at the back post by defender Morato.
United responded immediately as Cunha swept home after the ball ricocheted off Mbeumo’s thigh and onto his arm in the build-up.
In a rare decision, referee Michael Salisbury upheld the goal after reviewing the incident following advice from VAR officials.
Forest nearly levelled again moments later, but Morgan Gibbs-White was denied by goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who raced off his line to make the save.
Fernandes’ landmark assist arrived 14 minutes from time when Mbeumo turned in his driven cross to score his first goal since February.
Forest, however, continued to fight back as England internationals Anderson and Gibbs-White combined to reduce the deficit once more.
Making his first appearance since suffering a serious facial injury in a collision with Robert Sánchez earlier this month, Gibbs-White calmly slotted home from Anderson’s low cross.
Casemiro received a standing ovation during what could be his final appearance at Old Trafford when he was substituted for Mason Mount nine minutes from time.
Fernandes nearly claimed a record-breaking 21st assist deep into stoppage time, but Diogo Dalot struck the post from the midfielder’s pass.
United ultimately held on for another victory under interim manager Michael Carrick, who has overseen an impressive run of form since taking charge in January.
The former midfielder is reportedly expected to sign a two-year contract to remain at Old Trafford in the coming days.
