Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League single-season assist record as Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 in a VAR-marred encounter at Old Trafford on Sunday. Fernandes registered his 20th assist of the league campaign during a chaotic afternoon that also featured a lengthy video review over United’s controversial second goal.
The result maintained United’s strong finish under interim boss Michael Carrick, whose side stayed third in the table after an eighth home win in nine matches.
Fernandes matched the assist tally previously achieved by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, further underlining his influence in United’s resurgence during the closing months of the campaign.
“I could listen to that all night,” Carrick said after the final whistle as quoted by Reuters. “What a way to finish a season here at home, what a game that was. I thought we played ever so well today, it’s unbelievable to see this place like this.”
The match also carried emotional significance beyond the result, with veteran midfielder Casemiro receiving a standing ovation during what is expected to be his final home appearance for the club after four seasons. While United had already secured Champions League qualification and Forest were safe from relegation, the game still produced high intensity, attacking football and late drama.
“This season, we’ve had some big, big games that we’ve really enjoyed,” Carrick added. “The players deserve enormous credit for the way they’ve responded and performed.”
VAR CONTROVERSY OVERSHADOWS WIN
However, the game’s biggest flashpoint arrived moments after Matheus Cunha restored United’s lead. The goal was subjected to a prolonged VAR review over a potential handball by Bryan Mbeumo during the buildup, but officials eventually allowed the strike to stand despite furious protests from Forest players.
This was trending over social media, with users calling the technology disgraceful.
“There is a clear handball in the build up where Mbeumo controls it on his hip and it comes off his arm. He’s almost caught it, wedged between arm and body,” former Man Utd captain Gary Neville told Sky Sports. “I think that is an absolute shocker in every single way. It’s ridiculous.”
Mbeumo later made amends for several missed opportunities by converting Fernandes’ cross in the 76th minute, the assist that drew the United captain level with Henry and De Bruyne in the record books. Morgan Gibbs-White pulled one back shortly after to set up a tense finish, but United held on despite late chances for Diogo Dalot and Joshua Zirkzee.
Fernandes’ record-equalling contribution ensured the afternoon will be remembered not only for another controversial VAR decision, but also for a landmark achievement in one of the Premier League’s finest creative seasons.
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