Manchester United v Nottingham Forest LIVE: Shearer and Neville fume at VAR awarding Cunha’s goal in narrow win

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The Independent

·17 May 2026

Manchester United v Nottingham Forest LIVE: Shearer and Neville fume at VAR awarding Cunha’s goal in narrow win

(Reuters)

Pundits and ex-footballers criticise Michael Salisbury's decision

Former England striker Alan Shearer concurred with Neville’s assessment.

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“Wow. That’s disgraceful,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Shocking shocking shocking. That’s a CLEAR hand ball.”

Gary Neville weighs in on handball:

Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville was surprised by the decision.

“I think that is an absolute shocker in every single way,” Neville said. “It's ridiculous. The VAR have been quite clear, they said it has been disallowed, he has handballed it and brought the ball back into play. I can't believe what I have just seen to be honest.

“The VAR looked at it for three minutes and then the referee looks at it for another minute. They are overthinking it. They have got themselves into a real mess there.”

Bruno Fernandes tells Sky Sports:

“Everyone knew that [the assist record] was important. They were trying everything they could to score from my passes. I’m very happy, but more than that, I’m happy for the win.

“I want collective awards more than anything. But I’m grateful that people think I should be player of the season. I got to 20 today. Let’s see if I do [break the record] in the final game. But I am happy no matter what.”

(Getty)

Flo Clifford17 May 2026 14:53

FULL-TIME: Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest

A happy day for United. A triumphant farewell for Casemiro. A share of a record for Fernandes. Three goals, 29 shots, third place guaranteed. It all explains why Carrick will get the job on a permanent basis. Forest will undoubtedly complain about the second goal, but the better team won, well as Gibbs-White and Anderson played.