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.
If Fernandes had long felt unrewarded for heroic efforts in losing causes, now he has twin prizes to show for his individual excellence. Newly anointed Footballer of the Year, he has now tied the Premier League best for assists in a campaign, equalling the 20 Thierry Henry conjured for Arsenal in 2002-03 and Kevin de Bruyne mustered with Manchester City 17 years later. Fernandes may have been more reliant on set-pieces than them but he has also made goals in a lesser side.
“Everyone knew it was important that I could get another assist at least and they’ve been trying everything to score from one of my passes,” said Fernandes. He seemed stuck on 19 by his teammates’ misses before his 20th came with a high-quality cross. “The way we did was a really nice moment for everybody,” said Carrick. “It is a fantastic achievement.”
Fernandes did not have a monopoly on excellence; not when Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson were terrific for Nottingham Forest, each contributing to the entertainment in a game that mattered little in one respect but had plenty of meaning for some of the participants. United made mathematically certain of third place, though that was all but guaranteed anyway. “It is a fantastic achievement to be where we are,” added Carrick.
It represents a swift and vast improvement on 15th last year. Carrick merits much of the credit for that. His side scored three, hit the woodwork twice, missed a couple of sitters and registered the fourth 3-2 victory of his brief reign. He has brought the entertainment back; the winning habit, too, given that United have won eight of nine league games at Old Trafford under him, compared to just seven in the whole of last season.
United were ahead after five minutes courtesy of Luke Shaw’s first goal in three-and-a-half seasons, struck on the half-volley.
It seemed a day for defenders who are strangers to the scoresheet when Morato opened his Forest account by heading in Anderson’s cross; the quality of the midfielder’s two assists explains why he has admirers at Old Trafford, even if the other half of Manchester is his likelier destination and Forest would prefer not to sell at all. “The club wants to keep him playing for us, for sure,” said manager Vitor Pereira.
It was hard to disagree when Pereira called this “a crazy game”. That may have extended to the manner of the third goal. Matheus Cunha steered United back into the lead after the ball cannoned into his path when Bryan Mbeumo’s shot was blocked. Referee Michael Salisbury watched plenty of replays before deciding that though the Cameroonian handled, it was accidental, and upheld his initial decision to give the goal.
“It was a pity a game was decided on a decision,” said Vitor Pereira. “For me it is handball, very clear, but he decide not to cancel the goal.” The Forest fans showed less restraint in their reaction. Late on, they chorused “3-2 to the referee”. A total of 29 United shots and an xG of 4.19 offered another interpretation.
But Forest’s two best players relished the stage Old Trafford provided. Gibbs-White excelled as he returned for a first outing since suffering a head wound at Stamford Bridge. He scored a glorious goal, with a first-time finish from Elliot Anderson’s low pass. “He scored a beautiful goal,” said Pereira. The masked man had been denied earlier by Senne Lammens; in a mad minute, Bryan Mbeumo then rounded Matz Sels but struck the post.
Mbeumo’s day was eventful but eventually successful. The summer signing ended a drought that spanned 12 games and more than three months, stabbing in a shot from Fernandes’ low cross, but only after it had been extended by a hat-trick of misses. He twice skied shots; but the second came after a defence-splitting pass from Fernandes. Diogo Dalot was to strike wood, too.
But this afternoon was about Fernandes and Casemiro. The next will revolve around Carrick. “Over the coming days there will be clarity in the situation,” he said. Though it is clear who United’s next manager will be.
