JAKARTA - Captain Bruno Fernandes set an assist record when Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 in an English Premier League match at Old Trafford Stadium, Sunday, May 17, 2026 WIB. Man Utd's victory was marked by a controversial goal scored by Matheus Cunha.
Fernandes equalled Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne's assist record after delivering a cross that was finished by Bryan Mbeumo to give Man Utd a 3-1 lead. This is Fernandes' 20th assist or assist in a single season.
His success is also equal to Henry's achievement when defending Arsenal in the 2002/2003 season and De Bruyne in 2019/2020 with Manchester City. Not only that, Fernandes led Man Utd to a victory and confirmed their position in the top three of the standings.
Now, Man Utd has 68 points and has ensured qualification for the Champions League next season. However, the Red Devils' victory was slightly tarnished by Cunha's controversial goal in the 55th minute. In the process of creating the goal, Mbeumo's arm actually touched the ball before giving it to Cunha.
Referee Michael Salisbury reviewed the incident via VAR. Although it took up to three minutes to review the VAR, the referee finally declared the goal to be valid and Man Utd ahead 2-1.
The last match for Man Utd midfielder Casemiro at home was because his contract was about to end. Forest, who had avoided relegation and secured a position in the standings, tried to match Man Utd's offensive game.
However, the team coached by Michael Carrick managed to take the lead when the match was only five minutes. Defender Luke Shaw immediately broke the deadlock with a volley that defeated goalkeeper Matz Sels.
After leading 1-0, Man Utd actually continued to play at a high tempo and created a number of opportunities. Only, they were unable to take advantage of the opportunity to add goals. On the other hand, Forest also gave resistance. However, their efforts did not produce a goal so that Man Utd's one-goal advantage lasted until the first half ended.
Entering the second half, Forest tried to take the initiative to attack. Their efforts bore fruit when defender Morata's header, which greeted Elliot Anderson's assist, tied the score to 1-1 in the 53rd minute.
The score didn't last long. Only two minutes later, Cunha was able to bring Man Utd back to a 2-1 lead. This goal was a bit controversial because the ball hit Mbeumo's arm before giving the assist that Cunha finished. Even though he had reviewed it through VAR, the referee still confirmed the goal.
The advantage made Man Utd play more aggressively pressing the Forest defense. However, the visiting team had the opportunity to equalize through Morgan Gibbs-White. Unfortunately, the efforts of the England national team player could still be thwarted by goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Furthermore, Man Utd managed to consolidate the lead when Fernandes' assist was well completed by Mbeumo in the 76th minute. The score changed to 3-1 for Man Utd who were expected to have no trouble ending the match with a victory.
However, Forest refused to give up. Just two minutes later, the team coached by Vitor Pereira was able to reduce the deficit through Anderson's slick cooperation, which was completed by Gibbs-White. The goal that changed the score to 3-2.
In a position where Man Utd still had the lead, Carrick then pulled Casemiro after receiving a yellow card. When leaving the field, the Brazilian national team midfielder received a standing ovation from the fans.
Even though he was 'gorged' by fans who hoped his contract would be extended for another year, Casemiro decided to leave Old Trafford as soon as his contract was over.
There were no additional goals from both teams. The score of 3-2 for Man Utd lasted until the end of the match. For Forest, the defeat did not affect their position. Forest escaped relegation after finishing in 16th place with 43 points. Seven points ahead of West Ham United who occupy the 18th position or relegation zone.
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