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

(Reuters)

Bruno Fernandes caps triumphant season for Man United’s midfielders - on the pitch and in the dugout

As Casemiro became part of Old Trafford history, Bruno Fernandes made it. It was a triumphant farewell to a cult hero, a record-equalling day for the captain and creator supreme. Manchester United midfielders past and present have plenty to celebrate, with Michael Carrick’s coronation as manager set to come soon.

But this was about a couple of his successors in the heart of the team. There were presentations on the pitch to each afterwards. Casemiro had exited bowing to all four stands as he received a standing ovation, hugs from teammates interrupting his journey off the pitch as he was substituted; his final contribution before then, perhaps fittingly, was to get booked. But the transformation in his fortunes in the last 15 months is testament to his character and he, in turn, has been a catalyst for a revival.

Richard Jolly at Old Trafford17 May 2026 16:15

Casemiro gives farewell address:

“Thank you to everyone, to the players, to the staff, to everyone, but the best thing in this club is you, the fans. Thank you.”

Flo Clifford17 May 2026 16:00

Michael Carrick speaks on the pitch at full-time:

“A massive thank you for the season. It's unbelievable to see this place so full.

“We've had some big, big moments, big goals and big results in this place over the last few months... Hopefully there'll be a few more of them.”

(PA)

Flo Clifford17 May 2026 15:45

Pundits and ex-footballers criticise Michael Salisbury's decision

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

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

Flo Clifford17 May 2026 15:30

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.”

Flo Clifford17 May 2026 15:15

Roy Keane on the handball call:

“We are confused ourselves here, especially when the referee gets asked to go to the screen and then gives it.

“All of us ex footballers will all be saying the same, handball, and I don't think anyone would have complained about it. We were all scratching our heads when it was allowed.”

Flo Clifford17 May 2026 15:05

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

Bruno Fernandes ties Premier League assist record alongside Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne

Bruno Fernandes has tied the Premier League’s assist record for a single campaign after drawing level with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne on 20.

The Portuguese midfielder has enjoyed a fine season, earning him the FWA Footballer of the Year ahead of Declan Rice and others after playing a big part in United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick.

Fernandes set up Bryan Mbeumo with a cross from the right against Nottingham Forest to move ahead of Mesut Ozil and break his tie for third.

Flo Clifford17 May 2026 14:43