Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League assist record in the closing stages (Image: Getty)
Manchester United secured a highly controversial victory over Nottingham Forest that was marred by a dreadful refereeing decision. It only took five minutes for the Red Devils to draw first blood courtesy of Luke Shaw, who found the bottom corner with an excellent finish to open the scoring. Bryan Mbeumo missed two big chances to score, initially hitting the post after rounding the goalkeeper before firing over from close range in the second half.
United were sluggish after the break and were pegged back when Morato headed home from inside the six-yard box. Matheus Cunha went up the other end and scored anothe goal just moments later, which should have been disallowed for a clear Mbeumo handball in the build-up. However, referee Michael Salisbury overruled the VAR recommendation and allowed the goal to stand.
Mbeumo finally got his goal in the closing stages to make it 3-1, with Bruno Fernandes getting his 20th assist of the campaign to equal the all-time Premier League record. Morgan Gibbs-White later halved the deficit and gave Forest hope of salvaging a result, but an equaliser never arrived and United held on to claim all three points.
Express Sport rates and slates the United players following today’s victory…
Man Utd player ratings vs Forest
Senne Lammens – 6
Made a big stop to deny Gibbs-White in the first half. Wasn’t really to blame for either of Forest’s goals.
Had a decent game. Crisp passing helped to progress United up the pitch. Hit the post in the final moments of stoppage time.
Stood up to the physical threat of Chris Wood up front, but lost the run of Morato for the equaliser. A lapse in concentration.
Another good performer. Much better in possession and didn’t really put a foot wrong out of possession, either.
Scored a lovely goal, taking a touch before firing a half-volley into the corner, and defended very well at the other end of the pitch.
Marked his final home game for United with a decent display. Neat and tidy on the ball and made several recovery tackles.
Kept things ticking in the middle of the park, using the ball well to move United on and bring attacking team-mates into play.
The decision to allow Cunha’s goal was controversial to say the least (Image: Getty)
Worked tirelessly to get his record-equalling assist, which finally arrived with 15 minutes left to play. An incredible achievement.
Started the move which led to the opening goal. Got himself involved in attacking moves but was guility of a few poor crosses.
Looked dangerous on the break, using his pace to rip through Forest and put them on the back foot. Scored a highly controversial goal.
Missed several big chances in the second half before finally putting one away in the closing stages to wrap up the victory.
Substitutes
Mason Mount – 6
Came on for the final 10 minutes, replacing Casemiro, and mostly went under the radar. Flashed a shot wide in stoppage time.
Had several chances to score in the closing minutes but couldn’t find the back of the net with any of his attempts.
Stung the palms of Matz Sels with a tame effort from inside the box as United hunted a fourth goal.
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