Bruno Fernandes equals Premier League assist record in the final stages (Image: Getty)
Manchester United’s highly controversial victory against Nottingham Forest was marred by a terrible refereeing call. It took just five minutes for the Red Devils to take the lead courtesy of Luke Shaw. Shaw took the lead with a great finish into the bottom corner. Brian Mbeumo missed two big scoring chances, the first hitting the post after evading the goalkeeper, but he fired home from close range in the second half.
United were sluggish after the break, but Morato turned it around with a header from inside the six-yard box. Matheus Cunha went up to the opposite flank and added another goal soon after, but this goal should have been canceled out by a clear handball from Mbeumo in the build-up. However, referee Michael Salisbury overrode the VAR recommendation and allowed the goal.
Mbeumo scored in the final minute to make it 3-1, while Bruno Fernandes recorded his 20th assist of the season, equaling the all-time Premier League record. A goal from Morgan Gibbs-White then halved the gap and gave Forest hope of getting back a result, but the equalizer failed to materialize and United took all three points.
Express Sport rates United’s players and plans following today’s win…
Manchester United vs Forest player ratings
Senne Ramens – 6
He made a big stop to deny Gibbs-White in the first half. Forest were not really at fault for either of their goals.
We had a decent match. He helped United progress up the pitch with his incisive passing. It hit the post in the final moments of stoppage time.
They faced the physical threat of Chris Wood up front, but Morato gave up a goal and they were denied the equalizer. Lack of concentration.
Another good performer. They were much better in possession and didn’t make any wrong moves in possession.
He took a touch and hit a half-volley into the corner, scoring a great goal and defending very well at the other end of the pitch.
He marked his final home game for United with a great performance. He was methodical on the ball and made several recovery tackles.
He moved things well in the middle of the park, used the ball well to push United forward and led his attacking teammates into play.
The decision to concede Cunha’s goal was controversial to say the least. (Image: Getty)
He worked tirelessly to get an assist to match his record, and finally got it with 15 minutes left in the game. An incredible achievement.
They started a move that would lead to the first goal. Although he actively participated in the attack, a few of his crosses were poor.
He looked dangerous at the break, but used his pace to cut through Forest and put them on the back foot. He scored a controversial goal.
Although they missed some big chances in the second half, they finally managed to score one goal in the final stages to secure the victory.
substitute
Mason Mount – 6
He came on for Casemiro in the final 10 minutes but was largely unnoticeable. In added time, he hit a shot wide of the target.
They had several chances to score in the final stages, but none of them found the back of the net.
With United looking for a fourth goal, his calm shot from inside the box stung the palm of Mats Sells.
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