Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League assist record as Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 to secure third place

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League single-season assist record as his side secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Sunday.

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The Portuguese playmaker reached the landmark of 20 assists in a season, joining Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne in the Premier League record books after Bryan Mbeumo converted his late cross.

Manchester United’s victory confirmed a strong end to the season as the club sealed third place and strengthened their push for a return to the UEFA Champions League.

The game began at a fast pace, with Luke Shaw giving United an early lead after just five minutes with a well-taken volley.

Nottingham Forest responded after the break when Morato rose highest to head in from an Elliot Anderson delivery, restoring parity in an open contest filled with chances at both ends.

Controversy followed when Matheus Cunha restored United’s lead after a VAR review upheld a decision not to penalise a handball in the build-up, involving Bryan Mbeumo.

The decision sparked debate among fans and analysts, with the referee maintaining the goal despite being advised to review the incident on the pitchside monitor.

Forest continued to push forward, with Morgan Gibbs-White and Anderson both heavily involved in attacking moves that kept the home side under pressure.

United eventually struck again through Fernandes’ record-equalling contribution, as Mbeumo turned in his drilled cross to make it 3-2.

Forest reduced the deficit once more through Gibbs-White, who finished calmly from Anderson’s cross after returning from a recent facial injury.

Casemiro received an emotional standing ovation during what was believed to be his final Old Trafford appearance before being substituted late on.

United nearly added a fourth when Diogo Dalot struck the post from Fernandes’ pass in stoppage time, narrowly missing what would have been a new assist record.

Despite late pressure, United held firm to secure another important win under Michael Carrick, who is expected to continue in charge on a longer-term basis.

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The result capped a dramatic encounter that underlined Fernandes’ exceptional creative influence throughout the season.