Bruno Fernandes equals assist record as Manchester United hold off battling Forest

This is the new Manchester United era of happy accidents being overseen by Michael Carrick and helped by confusing officiating as they edged past Nottingham Forest. If it was not for a lack of obvious options five months ago, United and Carrick may not have been reunited, nor would they be third in the Premier League and heading back to the Champions League, on the day Bruno Fernandes equalled the all-time Premier League assist record.

Carrick has a two-year contract on the table and cannot require too much mulling over. The improving Old Trafford atmosphere was further boosted after the final home game being won partly thanks to a bizarre decision by Michael Salisbury to allow a Matheus Cunha goal to stand, on account of Bryan Mbeumo’s clear handball in the buildup being “accidental”, much to the confusion of everyone without a whistle.