- Manchester United player ratings
- Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest’s
- Bruno Fernandes makes history
Six-and-a-half months ago, when Manchester United travelled to the City Ground, Ruben Amorim stood in the dugout opposite Sean Dyche as the two sides battled to a 2-2 draw.
This time, it would be Michael Carrick against Vitor Pereira. Between them, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest have burned through seven different managers across one chaotic season.
But none of that truly mattered today. This belonged to Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese skipper registered his 20th Premier League assist of the season, dragging himself into one of the most exclusive clubs English football has ever seen and cementing his place in Premier League history.
His assist ultimately sealed the match, as United edged past Forest 3-2 to officially secure third place in the Premier League table.
What began as an afternoon centred around Fernandes’ pursuit of history and Casemiro’s emotional farewell to Old Trafford quickly spiralled into controversy after United’s second goal survived a fierce handball appeal.
Manchester United player ratings
Senne Lammens – 6.5
Rarely tested throughout the match, but whenever Forest called upon him, Lammens responded calmly. His confidence looks completely untouched after the Liverpool error. Produced a vital save to deny Morgan Gibbs-White with United still leading 1-0. Stood little chance with either Forest goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6.5
Another steady evening from one of United’s most reliable performers. Nothing spectacular, but very little wrong either. Came centimetres away from scoring what would have been Fernandes’ 21st assist of the campaign.
Harry Maguire – 7
A composed and commanding display from Maguire. Forest’s goals hardly fell at his feet, and he handled Forest’s attack well for large spells of the game. Stepped forward confidently with the ball and continues to make the right-sided centre-back role his own.
Lisandro Martinez – 7.5
Read danger brilliantly all afternoon. His interceptions and clearances constantly prevented the ball from dropping kindly for Chris Wood inside the area. Forest’s physical threat forced him into conceding several set-pieces, but his passing and composure in possession gave United real control from the back.
Luke Shaw – 7
Perhaps his most consistent season in over a decade continued with his first goal in more than three years. His last came back on 3 January, 2023. Beyond the goal, Shaw looked sharp, aggressive, and positive throughout. Thomas Tuchel will certainly have noticed. Picked up a booking deep into stoppage time.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Up against potential future teammate Elliot Anderson, Mainoo produced another tidy midfield display. Elegant in tight spaces and calm under pressure, even if he never completely seized control of the match.
Casemiro – 7
Sadly, no fairytale ending arrived for Casemiro. The Brazilian departed in the 79th minute without grabbing the goal many inside Old Trafford craved for him. Still, he delivered another disciplined and intelligent performance in midfield. The emotion on his face as 70,000 supporters rose to applaud him said everything.
Amad Diallo – 4.5
Amad’s struggles since returning from the African Cup of Nations continued. He still drifted into dangerous areas, but his overall impact lacked sharpness. Elliot Anderson brushed him aside far too easily during Forest’s goal. More than anyone in the squad, he looks desperate for the summer break.
Bruno Fernandes – 10/10
Elation, jubilation, euphoria, ecstasy.
What else can you say when a player hits 20 assists in a Premier League season?
Mathues Cunha – 7.5
Bright, energetic, and increasingly complete. Cunha now looks fully settled on the left-hand side in Patrick Dorgu’s absence, and his defensive work continues to improve every week. Took his goal well, even if the build-up left Forest furious.
Bryan Mbeumo – 5
A maddening afternoon. He rounded Matz Sels brilliantly but could only strike the post from a difficult angle. Then, moments later, he ballooned another huge chance over the bar when he simply had to score.
United also escaped major controversy when the ball appeared to strike his hand before Cunha’s goal. And yet, despite everything, Mbeumo still delivered the moment that mattered most.
In the 75th minute, he finally converted Fernandes’ pass and handed the United captain his historic 20th assist.
Substitutes
Mason Mount – 6.5
Looked lively after coming on and forced a good effort towards goal in the 93rd minute. Comfortable in possession and arguably the sharpest of United’s substitutes despite the limited minutes.
Patrick Dorgu – 5
Should have scored, with Fernandes playing a perfect pass to the Dane, which would have been his 21st assist of the season. Was very lax on the ball.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Could not quite impose himself after coming on. Nearly latched onto a dangerous ball late on as United searched for a fourth, but once again drifted through stretches of the match without leaving a major mark.
