BRUNO FERNANDES equalled the Premier League record for assists as Manchester United finally dispatched their Nottingham Forest hoodoo.
Goals from , and got United over the line in a match that felt like a testimonial.
Michael Carrick secured Champions League football next season Credit: Alamy
Forest defender Morato headed in an equaliser from ‘s wicked cross on 54 minutes.
But within 60 seconds United were back in front after Cunha found the corner following a controversial refereeing handball call.
Mbeumo had caught the ball between his arm and chest before it rebounded to Cunha, but Michael Salisbury went against citing an “accidental handball”.
Mbeumo finally scored on his fifth chance of the game before stole one back. But United beat Forest in the Premier League for the first time since August 2023.
Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the United players in their final home match of the season.
Senne Lammens – 6
A huge save denied Gibbs-White but Lammens escaped repeating the same mistake he made against Liverpool, when his pass out sold short.
Lammens ran the whole length of the pitch to celebrate Fernandes’ 20th assist of the season but was soon left vulnerable to Gibbs-White’s close range finish.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Struggled to contain a lively Gibbs-White down the right hand side. But the Portuguese offers more than going forward.
His cross into the box to led to Cunha’s goal and he found himself in good attacking areas throughout. Hit the post in stoppage time.
Harry Maguire – 7
Maguire is pushing for spot on the plane with at the World Cup and he did his hopes no harm.
The 33-year-old will bring leadership to ‘s squad. He was again colossal at the back with several well-timed interventions.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
The Argentine appeared more settled than he was at Sunderland.
After struggling with , Martinez improved in his physical tussle with .
Luke Shaw – 7
Shaw capped off an injury-free season with a first goal since January 2023. It was well taken too, as he drilled a low finish past .
It was perfect timing for the left-back too, with the final Three Lions squad announcement on Friday. He was a handful down the left.
Casemiro – 7
“One more year, one more year Casemiro” hailed the Stretford End as the midfielder waved goodbye to .
The Brazilian had a decent final game too, with key interceptions. But he was upstaged by a replacement target Anderson, who bagged two assists.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
The 20-year-old took a while to get going after a poor pass in front of his box set through.
He soon recovered with excellent control in tight spaces and showed why he should be heading Stateside too.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
The playmaker’s passing range still manages to shock those of us in the press box.
After several mishaps from his teammates on Sunday, Fernandes got his 20th assist of the season, matching the record set by Kevin de Bruyne and .
Matheus Cunha – 7
Lively in his movements but another one guilty of wayward passes in the middle of the park.
The Brazilian looked like he was enjoying himself out there. He was buzzing when close pal Shaw scored and became difficult for Forest to handle in the second half.
Amad – 6
Battled hard in the lead up to the opener and improved on his recent showings. He will look forward to getting back in form for the World Cup.
But Forest midfield general bullied the winger off the ball to set up Forest’s leveller.
Bryan Mbeumo – 6
The Cameroonian received a love-in after his first goal in 12 games. It will certainly help his confidence, after he looked mentally blocked and ready for a reset in the summer.
Mbeumo found the back of the net after his fifth chance of the day. Before that, he should have doubled United’s lead when he hit the post, skied one over from a few yards out and blasted into Row Z.
SUBS:
Mason Mount (for Casemiro, 80) – 6
The best of the three subs.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Mbeumo, 80) – 4
A couple of big errors to unnerve the crowd. Also missed two chances.
Patrick Dorgu (for Cunha, 80) – 4
Denied Fernandes the assist record when he shot straight at Sels in the final 10 minutes.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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