Michael Carrick continued to strengthen his case to be the next permanent manager of Manchester United as he guided his side to a 3-2 win at home to Forest.Carricks side were aided by a contentious second goal but were good value for the win as Bruno Fernandes picked up a record-equalling 20th assist of the Premier League season in an entertaining match.Luke Shaw opened the scoring with a rare goal before Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo struck in the second half.Forest twice responded through Morato and captain Morgan Gibbs-White but never truly looked like emerging with a point.Carrick has won 11 of 16 games since replacing Ruben Amorim and has delivered Champions League football for next season and now looks set to be given the chance to impress on a two or three-year deal.Casemiro said goodbye to Old Trafford with an emotional farewell.The 34-year-old departs this summer and after some costly errors early in his lucrative stay has showed enough in recent times to push him out of the flop category and into an astute signing.Shaws superbly-taken goal was his first since January 2023. A cross from the right was not dealt with by the Forest defence and the England man took a touch before smashing a low shot across Matz SelsGibbs-White then should have equalised but was denied by a fine save from Senne Lammens, with United breaking instantly and Mbeumo hitting the post after going round Sels.Mbeumo wasted another great chance at the start of the second half as his drought went on.Elliot Anderson then whipped in a sensational cross which was headed in by Morato for his first Premier League goal.Two minutes later Cunha steered in after Mbeumo had a shot blocked but the ball hit the Cameroon man on the arm before falling at the feet of the Brazilian.Thats a shockerA VAR review called for referee Michael Salisbury to check the decision on the monitor and after a long debate the goal was allowed to stand.Honestly, thats ridiculous, said former United captain Gary Neville on Sky Sports. I cant believe what I have seen. That is handball. Thats a shocker.VAR has looked at it for three minutes and the referee has for another minute. They are overthinking it.Mbeumo then fired over again after fine play from Fernandes before the two combined for the third goal. Fernandes low cross from the right was perfect and Mbeumo was able to steer in.Fernandes has now equalled the record for most assists in a Premier League season (20), levelling Thierry Henry in 2002-03 and Kevin De Bruyne in 2019-20.Gibbs-White back in the fold after a facial injury then made it 3-2 with a brilliant low finish but United held on to take the points. Topics Manchester United F.C. Nottingham Forest F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read LIVE Manchester United v Nottingham Forest: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 15th May, 2026 Manchester United v Nottingham Forest: Teams confirmed as Casemiro starts final Old Trafford game Tom Rostance 17th May, 2026 Which Premier League games are on TV during the last week of the 2025/26 season? May 2026 schedule, confirmed kick-off times, final day Ben Miller 16th May, 2026 De Ligt as determined as ever to represent Manchester United after surgery Nicholas McGee 15th May, 2026 Reports of permanent role premature, says Carrick, as Manchester United prepare to say goodbye to Casemiro Jon Fisher 15th May, 2026 Manchester United v Nottingham Forest: Line-ups, stats and preview for Carricks final home audition Nicholas McGee 15th May, 2026
