This is the new, serendipitous Michael Carrick Manchester United era, helped by confusing officiating to edge past Nottingham Forest, on the day Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League record for assists in a season. If it was not for a lack of obvious options four months ago, United and Carrick may not have been reunited, nor would they be guaranteed third in the Premier League and heading back to the Champions League.
It is, arguably, fortunate that Fernandes is still here after feeling United were keen to sell him a year ago but now he sits alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry at the top of the creative charts.
Considering the focus on Fernandes, Casemiro’s imminent departure and Carrick’s more imminent full-time appointment, thanks to an 11th win in 16 games in charge, the referee Michael Salisbury did well to take plenty of the spotlight. He bizarrely allowed a Matheus Cunha goal to stand, because Bryan Mbeumo’s clear handball in the buildup was “accidental”, much to the confusion of everyone without a whistle.
Luke Shaw’s first United goal in more than three years was cancelled out by a Morato header. Within seconds of the restart after the Forest equaliser, the ball was in the back of the net but Cunha’s celebration was quietened when everyone realised Mbeumo had effectively caught the ball between his biceps and chest to tee up the Brazilian.
All that was required was a simple box-ticking annulling of the goal but instead, after a miserably lengthy delay, Salisbury announced that everything was fine, much to the chagrin of the away end.
“It was a pity that the game was decided for a decision that I must accept because it’s the decision of the ref but it’s not my opinion. For me, it’s handball, very clear,” Vitor Pereira, the Nottingham Forest head coach said.
“I think it’s important to have a meeting with everybody and try to understand the rules, the decisions. Because, I think, everybody, all the managers have thoughts about some decisions.”
Carrick absorbed the adulation, occasion and what he has quickly built from the carnage of Ruben Amorim’s reign. He will, however, know that plenty of investment is needed to make the squad competitive on all fronts with an increase in demands next season.
“I genuinely think it was a fantastic achievement to be where we are at the moment,” Carrick said. “The players deserve a lot of credit for that. The closer you get to the top of the league then the harder it gets. You’ve got to make big steps, but it’s harder to make them big steps.”
Casemiro got his Old Trafford farewell, against one of his potential successors in Elliot Anderson. The Brazilian has become increasingly popular over the past four seasons but another year looked an improbability for the 34-year-old.
A Casemiro banner was unfurled before kick-off, reading “Até a morte” – to the death. It represented the Brazilian’s warrior spirit that he has shown in the good and bad times here.
Every Casemiro tackle was cheered and whenever he received possession within 30 yards of goal, there were demands of “shooooooot!” He was given a standing ovation in the 80th minute, strolling off, clearly emotional.
It should, however, be pointed out that the Brazilian is leaving with only a League Cup and an FA Cup medal, missing the latter final in 2024, in his back pocket, having been part of a muted period for United, something Carrick is here to change.
Anderson was Forest’s most influential player, creating Forest’s goals. He harassed Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo constantly, providing the energy required to make the game more competitive, showing he is preferable as a teammate than opponent.
After the controversy, Mbeumo finished his fourth clear chance – it was Fernandes’ 20th assist of the season – which felt like a clincher. An irritated Forest came again as Anderson picked out Gibbs‑White, whose intuitive finish set up a more tense than anticipated ending.
United won their final home game last season against Aston Villa to finish 15th, having already lost the Europa League final against Tottenham as the club hit rock bottom under Amorim.
There was optimism things could improve then and Carrick, who addressed the crowd at full time, has taken them forward and back to Europe’s top table. The apathy that shrouded United has dissipated, but there can be no rest at Old Trafford.
