Bruno Fernandes equals Premier League record as Man Utd win VAR clash

Bruno Fernandes equaled the Premier League record for assists in a single season as Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford in a game marred by VAR on Sunday. Fernandes registered his 20th assist of the league campaign on a chaotic afternoon that also featured a lengthy video review of United’s controversial second goal.

The result kept United a strong finish under interim boss Michael Carrickwhose team remained third in the table after their eighth home win in nine games.

Fernandes equaled the assist tally previously achieved by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, further underlining his influence in United’s revival during the final months of the campaign.

“I could listen to it all night,” Carrick said after the final whistle, as quoted by Reuters. “What a way to end the season here at home, what a game. I thought we played so well today, it’s unbelievable to see this place like this.” Casemiro played his last home game for Manchester United (Photo Reuters)

The game also had an emotional significance beyond the result, with veteran midfielder Casemiro receiving a standing ovation in what is expected to be his last home appearance for the club after four seasons. While United had already secured Champions League qualification and Forest were safe from relegation, the game still delivered high intensity, attacking football and late drama.

“We’ve had some big, big games this season that we’ve really enjoyed,” added Carrick. “The players deserve huge credit for the way they responded and performed.

VAR CONTROVERSY OVERSHEDWS WIN

However, the biggest spark of the game came moments after Matheus Cunha restored United’s lead. The goal was subject to an extended VAR review over a potential handball by Bryan Mbeum in the build-up, but the officials eventually let the strike stand despite furious protests from the Forest players.

This was trending on social media and users called the technology shameful.

I’ve had enough of football

I’ve had enough of inept officials on the pitch and in VAR

VAR states that his handball

The ref over rules and says it’s a perfectly fine goal

The game is officially gone pic.twitter.com/xDGmevw8cs— Mark P (@tuckers35) May 17, 2026

“There’s a distinct handball in the set-up where Mbeumo controls it on his side and it comes off his arm. He almost catches it, wedged between his arm and his body,” former Man Utd captain Gary Neville told Sky Sports. “I think it’s an absolute shock in every way. It’s ridiculous.”

Mbeumo later made amends for several missed opportunities by converting Fernandes’ cross in the 76th minute, an assist that saw the United captain level with Henry and De Bruyne in the record books. Morgan Gibbs-White pulled one back soon after to set up a thrilling finish, but United held on despite late chances from Diogo Dalot and Joshua Zirkzee.

Fernandes’ record-equalling contribution secured an afternoon that will be remembered not only for yet another controversial VAR decision, but also for a significant achievement in one of the Premier League’s most creative seasons.

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Published on:

17 May 2026 21:49 IST