On Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford, Manchester United triumphed 3-2 over Nottingham Forest, securing their spot in third place in the Premier League. In this match, Bruno Fernandes matched the Premier League season assists record.
The home team took an early lead just five minutes into the game when left-back Luke Shaw scored his first goal in over three years, skillfully guiding the ball through a crowded defense into the far corner. United could have doubled their lead shortly after, but Matheus Cunha‘s shot struck the post after he rounded goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Nottingham Forest managed to equalize in the 53rd minute with a superb cross from Elliot Anderson that found Morato. However, the celebration was short-lived as Cunha struck back just two minutes later, the goal upheld after a VAR review dismissed a handball claim against Mbeumo in the buildup.
The highlight of the match came when Fernandes recorded his 20th assist of the season, matching the Premier League record previously held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, with Mbeumo finally ending his goal drought.
Following Morgan Gibbs-White‘s goal, the 1,000th of the Premier League season, which pulled Forest within one at 3-2, Fernandes almost broke the assist record again with a brilliant pass to Patrick Dorgu, though it ultimately went unconverted. United had several chances to extend their lead in stoppage time but couldn’t capitalize.
Positives
Fernandes now has one game left to make history, Mbeumo has ended his scoring drought, and Casemiro received a fitting farewell from the Old Trafford crowd as he departs the club this summer. Despite the close scoreline, it was a solid performance from United.
Negatives
A few defensive mistakes allowed Forest back into contention, and had Mbeumo’s finishing been sharper, the result could have been more secure.
Manager rating out of 10
Michael Carrick, 8 — The interim Manchester United head coach showed faith in his tactics, making no substitutions until the 80th minute. His team maintained control throughout the match, earning more points than any other Premier League team since he took charge.
Player ratings (1-10; 10: best. Players introduced after 70 minutes receive no rating)
GK Senne Lammens, 6 — Lammens had little time to react to either goal he conceded, leaving him with limited options.
DF Luke Shaw, 7 — Shaw’s tremendous strike put United ahead after he deceived the defense with a feint, marking his first goal in over three years.
DF Lisandro Martínez, 7 — Martínez delivered a tactically solid performance, frequently in the right position to break up Forest’s play, including cutting out a dangerous cross for Chris Wood.
DF Harry Maguire, 6 — Maguire made a crucial tackle against Neco Williams during the first half and led the defense well, though he couldn’t convert a scoring chance later in the game as his shot was deflected.
DF Diogo Dalot, 7 — Dalot’s frequent overlapping runs on the right caused problems for Forest and were pivotal in creating chances, particularly for the first goal. He later rattled the post with a powerful shot.
MF Kobbie Mainoo, 6 — Mainoo’s energetic presence in midfield was evident, though he was lucky to avoid a booking after a heavy challenge in the first half. He and Casemiro worked well together to create attacking opportunities.
MF Casemiro, 7 — As the crowd chanted for “One more year, Casemiro,” the 34-year-old showcased his ability to break up plays, moving the ball forward effectively before being substituted to a standing ovation in the 81st minute.
MF Bruno Fernandes, 9 — Fernandes matched the Premier League assist record following his precise pass to Mbeumo, and he nearly broke the record shortly after with an exceptional swerving ball towards Dorgu.
MF Matheus Cunha, 8 — Although Cunha missed out on an assist after setting up Mbeumo, he managed to score himself with a well-placed finish, consistently threatening the Forest defense throughout the match.
MF Amad Diallo, 5 — Diallo struggled to make an impact going forward and was outperformed defensively by Anderson, who setup Forest’s equalizer.
FW Bryan Mbeumo, 5 — After several missed opportunities, Mbeumo finally converted United’s third goal with a shot that ended his scoring drought.
Substitutes
Joshua Zirkzee (Mbeumo, 80′) N/R — Zirkzee made an immediate impact, finding Fernandes with a key pass that led to a late chance on goal, forcing Sels into a save.
Patrick Dorgu (Cunha, 80′) N/R — Dorgu almost found the net upon his introduction, making a timely run at the back post, but he was unable to convert a Fernandes pass.
Mason Mount (Casemiro, 81′) N/R — Mount was solid in his brief appearance, completing all his passes without a misstep.