… As Fernandes’ Matches Assist Record
Manchester United secured third place in the Premier League after an entertaining 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Sunday, with captain Bruno Fernandes equalling the league’s single-season assist record.
Fernandes provided his 20th assist of the campaign for Bryan Mbeumo’s decisive goal, matching the Premier League benchmark previously set by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry.
The Portuguese midfielder capped an outstanding season in which he rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, guided United back into the Champions League, and claimed the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award.
Man United enjoyed a dream start in their final home game of the season when Luke Shaw opened the scoring in the fifth minute.
Forest failed to properly clear a cross, allowing the defender to fire a low strike into the bottom corner for his first goal since January 2023.
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The hosts threatened to extend their advantage as Fernandes tested the Forest defence, while Mbeumo struck the post after a rapid counterattack initiated by goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Veteran midfielder Casemiro, making his final appearance at Old Trafford, narrowly missed the rebound.
Forest, however, remained dangerous throughout. Nicolás Domínguez went close with a header before the visitors found their equaliser early in the second half.
Summer transfer target Elliot Anderson delivered an inviting cross in the 53rd minute, and defender Morato rose highest to head home.
The visitors’ celebrations were short-lived as United restored their lead just two minutes later. Bryan Mbeumo controlled a cross before Matheus Cunha finished clinically in front of the Stretford End.
Forest players protested furiously, claiming Mbeumo had handled the ball in the buildup. Referee Michael Salisbury reviewed the incident following VAR intervention but allowed the goal to stand, ruling the handball accidental.
The controversy added to the intensity of a pulsating contest, with Morgan Gibbs-White continuing to threaten for Forest.
United eventually grabbed what proved to be the winning goal when Fernandes delivered a superb cross for Mbeumo to convert, securing the midfielder’s record-equalling assist.
Forest refused to surrender, and Gibbs-White produced a stunning finish late on to reduce the deficit, setting up a tense finale as Vitor Pereira’s side pushed desperately for an equaliser.
Despite late pressure from the visitors, United held firm to close out victory and ensure a top-three finish in front of a jubilant Old Trafford crowd, with head coach Michael Carrick also receiving warm support amid reports he will remain in charge next season.
