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Manchester United secured three points from their final home game of the season after beating Nottingham Forest 3-2.
The game has a real end-of-season feel to it, with every player seemingly keen to share a moment with the departing Casemiro before kick-off. Manchester United made a dream start thanks to Luke Shaw’s goal.
Nottingham Forest looked more threatening after the break and equalised as Morato scored his first goal for the club in the 53rd minute. Still, United responded two minutes later when Matheus Cunha got on the scoresheet despite VAR intervention.
Bryan Mbeumo added to United’s lead before Morgan Gibbs-White scored Forest’s second as the game ended 3-2. The win means the Red Devils have secured third place in the Premier League.
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Give your INSTANT reaction to Man United BEATING Forest 3-2 🔥
A win to sign off the season at Old Trafford!
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Luke Shaw scores rare goal
Shaw scored his first goal in more than three years as his wonderful shot went through the legs of Nikola Milenkovic.
It was Shaw’s fourth Premier League goal as a United player, and his teammates appeared to be in shock as they celebrated with the experienced left back.
Shaw deserved his moment after one of his most consistent seasons in United’s defence. He also did his job defensively throughout the game.
Casemiro’s farewell
United fans were advised to get into the ground early to witness a Casemiro banner being unfurled in the Stretford End. The banner read “até à morte”, which translates to ‘until death’.
The banner was arranged by The Red Army in the Stretford End and approved by Casemiro ahead of his final outing as a United player at Old Trafford.
Casemiro looked emotional as he walked out of the tunnel, accompanied by his children, before kick-off.
It suited Casemiro that the game was played at a slow pace, but the Old Trafford faithful enjoyed his crunching tackle in front of the Stretford End after 72 minutes.
Casemiro received an emotional standing ovation in the 79th minute as Carrick stood on the touchline to hug him.
Furthermore, Casemiro’s family left a message for fans in the Stretford End, which read: “Thank you Reds! For all your love, support, and for singing with us. Forever Red Devils!”
Bryan Mbeumo scored after multiple chances
Mbeumo wasted three glorious chances on goal, including one when he rounded the goalkeeper in the first half before his effort crashed off the post.
On his longest run without a goal in three years, it was a relief to see Mbeumo score to make it 3-1.
United will be thankful that Cameroon will not be competing at the World Cup this summer because Mbeumo should benefit from a full pre-season.
Matheus Cunha goal controversy
Fernandes whipped a ball into the box for Mbeumo, only for the ball to bounce off the Cameroonian’s arm after striking his hip.
Mbeumo’s shot was blocked, but none of the Forest defenders – or goalkeeper – could deal with Cunha’s effort on the rebound.
Gary Neville was outraged on commentary for Sky Sports because the goal stood after the VAR check. The former United captain seemed certain it would be chalked off for handball.
Bruno Fernandes equals all-time Premier League assist record
Bruno Fernandes registered his 20th assist in the Premier League this season following his powerful cross for Mbeumo’s goal.
That means Fernandes has equalled the all-time Premier League assist record in a single season, previously set by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry.
With one game left to play in the 2025/26 season, Fernandes could still surpass De Bruyne and Henry’s record.
Fernandes was goal-hanging in the final minutes of stoppage time, trying to get another assist for his incredible tally. He’s not finished yet.
PICK your MAN OF THE MATCH for Manchester United vs Forest!
Some brilliant performances today! But who was best?
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Elliot Anderson impresses for Old Trafford audition
I couldn’t help but wonder how good Elliot Anderson will be when better players surround him.
United are targeting Anderson ahead of the transfer window, but fierce competition is expected from Man City.
Anderson held his own in midfield against United, looked dangerous from corners and recorded an assist for Morato’s goal after getting the better of Amad Diallo in a wide position. The Ivory Coast winger was caught napping as Forest took a quick corner.
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