Manchester United v Nottingham Forest LIVE
- Manchester United host Nottingham Forest in Premier League | Live on Sky Sports, kick-off at 12.30pm
- '78 GOAL! Gibbs-White scores on Forest return [MUN 3-2 NFO]
- '76 GOAL! Mbeumo breaks scoring duck as Fernandes equals assist record [MUN 3-1 NFO]
- '55 GOAL! Referee Michael Salisbury overrules VAR call to disallow Cunha goal [MUN 2-1 NFO]
- '53 GOAL! Morato scores for Forest for first time [MUN 1-1 NFO]
- '5 GOAL! Luke Shaw scores rare Manchester United goal [MUN 1-0 NFO]
- Michael Carrick is close to being announced as United's permanent manager after impressive interim spell
Michael Carrick says ‘some sort of ego’ matters if Man Utd are to be their best
19:30 , Flo CliffordMichael Carrick wants to harness the power of player ego rather than remove it as Manchester United look to return to the top.
The 44-year-old made 464 appearances during his medal-laden time playing for the Red Devils, winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League crown among other silverware.
Carrick’s experience with United as player and then coach was key to the club turning to him midway through a topsy-turvy 2025-26 season, which will end with Champions League qualification and seemingly third spot.
The former midfielder has overseen an impressive turnaround since being brought in for the remainder of the campaign, with confirmation that he is staying on as Ruben Amorim’s successor a matter of when, rather than if.
Michael Carrick says ‘some sort of ego’ matters if Man Utd are to be their best
Premier League action continues
17:30 , Flo CliffordThe action continues as West Ham fight for vital points in Premier League relegation battle against Newcastle.
Follow live updates here:
Newcastle vs West Ham LIVE: Latest team news and updates from Premier League clash
Rasmus Hojlund seals permanent switch to Napoli as Manchester United recoup significant transfer fee
16:30 , Richard JollyRasmus Hojlund will join Napoli on a permanent deal after his move from Manchester United was confirmed.
United will bring in £38m for the striker when the transfer formally goes through in June after Napoli, who had a conditional obligation to buy him, met the obligations by qualifying for the Champions League.
Hojlund scored his 15th goal for Napoli in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Pisa which leaves them second with a game to go.
The Denmark international wrote on Instagram: “This goal felt symbolic because it means two things. We now secured Champions League with Napoli, which means because of my contract I’m now officially a Napoli player and I’m saying goodbye to Manchester United.”
Rasmus Hojlund seals permanent switch to Napoli as Man United recoup significant fee
Bruno Fernandes caps triumphant season for Man United’s midfielders - on the pitch and in the dugout
16:15 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordAs 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.
Michael Carrick’s successors in midfield crown triumphant day for Manchester United
Casemiro gives farewell address:
16:00 , Flo Clifford“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.”
Michael Carrick speaks on the pitch at full-time:
15:45 , Flo Clifford“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.”
Pundits and ex-footballers criticise Michael Salisbury's decision
15:30 , Flo CliffordFormer 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.”
Gary Neville weighs in on handball:
15:15 , Flo CliffordSky 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.”
Roy Keane on the handball call:
15:05 , Flo Clifford“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.”
Micah Richards tells Sky Sports:
14:58 , Flo Clifford“It's a handball. It's as simple as that. The referee has gone to the screen and made a decision but if you look at it, it's clear as day.”
Bruno Fernandes tells Sky Sports:
14:53 , Flo Clifford“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.”
Premier League action continues
14:48 , Flo CliffordAlso on the agenda today (all 3pm kick-offs unless specified):
- Brentford v Crystal Palace
- Everton v Sunderland
- Leeds v Brighton
- Wolves v Fulham
- Newcastle v West Ham (5.30pm)
Bruno Fernandes ties Premier League assist record alongside Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne
14:43 , Flo CliffordBruno 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.
Fernandes ties Premier League assist record alongside Henry and De Bruyne
Why was Matheus Cunha’s goal allowed to stand for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest?
14:37 , Flo CliffordHere’s the full explanation for why Matheus Cunha’s goal was allowed to stand:
Why was Cunha’s goal allowed to stand for Manchester United against Forest?
FULL-TIME: Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:30 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordA 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.
FULL-TIME: Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:29 , Flo CliffordUnited clinch third place and Fernandes equals the Premier League assist record in Casemiro’s final home game for Manchester United!
A great day for defenders who don't often score, with Shaw scoring his first in three years and Morato scoring his first goal for Nottingham Forest.
But referee Michael Salisbury’s call to allow Cunha’s goal will dominate the headlines.
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:28 , Flo Clifford‘90+9: Fernandes takes the corner, and Sels punches it clear.
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:28 , Flo Clifford‘90+9: Fernandes takes the corner, and Sels punches it clear.
SAVE! Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:27 , Flo Clifford‘90+8: Fernandes squares to Zirkzee; he lets fly a low strike, it takes a deflection back out, and Sels makes an excellent reflex save to punch away the rebound!
OFF THE POST! Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:25 , Flo Clifford‘90+6: Another United counter, another chance for a Fernandes assist... Dalot rounds the keeper but clatters off the bar, and Forest hack clear!
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:24 , Flo Clifford‘90+5: United get back up the pitch and Zirkzee has another go, but Williams makes the last-ditch challenge and Sels can collect easily.
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:23 , Flo Clifford‘90+4: And Anderson is next into the book for a foul on Dorgu. Fernandes stands over the free-kick, deep on the left flank... it’s headed away and to Mount outside the box, who fizzes a half-volley wide!
There are some mild shouts for a penalty for some jostling in the build-up, but swiftly dismissed.
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:21 , Flo Clifford‘90+3: Shaw gets a yellow for leaving it late on Bakwa.
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:21 , Flo Clifford‘90+2: Awoniyi has been lively for Forest since coming on. He latches onto the ball on the edge of the box, takes it on the spin, and fires narrowly wide.
Plenty of time for either another United goal or an equaliser...
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:20 , Flo Clifford‘90+1: EIGHT minutes added on.
Fernandes wants the outright assist record but makes the wrong decision as he tries to release Amad rather than shooting himself.
Big day for two United stalwarts
14:19 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordNow Bruno has his record, joining De Bruyne and Henry in the 20 club. Quite an achievement.
And a triumphant farewell to Casemiro as his Old Trafford career ends with a standing ovation and plenty of hugs from his teammates.
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:18 , Flo Clifford‘89: Awoniyi pulls it back for McAtee but United clear and immediately counter. Amad squares it for Zirkzee in the box when he really should just go one-on-one himself, and Sangare gets the better of Zirkzee.
It isn’t quite dead though, and Fernandes has a punt but his strike sails high and wide.
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:16 , Flo Clifford‘88: Bakwa lofts in a cross but Lammens jumps to collect.
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:15 , Flo Clifford‘86: Fernandes wants another and tries to play in Zirkzee, but the latter trips and lands on his backside in the box.
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:14 , Flo Clifford‘85: Subs for the visitors: McAtee and Jair Cunha replace Igor Jesus and Netz.
SAVE! Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:12 , Flo Clifford‘84: Dorgu is denied at close range by Sels and Fernandes would have had the outright record for assists had that gone in!
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:12 , Flo Clifford‘83: Morato blocks Fernandes from getting a goal of his own.
Casemiro, Mbeumo and Cunha are the players off, Mount, Zirkzee and Dorgu on.
Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:09 , Flo Clifford‘80: Changes for United and Old Trafford rises as one to cheer off Casemiro, who is hugged by all his teammates and applauds the crowd as he makes his last-ever exit.
GOAL! Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest
14:08 , Flo Clifford‘79: Well! Forest are by no means out of this!
Anderson fires in a lovely cross from the edge of the box, Gibbs-White adjusts his body and strikes into the bottom corner with his left foot. Game on!
GOAL! Manchester United 3-1 Nottingham Forest
14:06 , Flo Clifford‘76: Bruno Fernandes equals the Premier League assist record!
It’s his 20th of the season and it’s Bryan Mbeumo who finally breaks his scoring duck. He looks up to the heavens in relief.
Fernandes is beaming ear to ear and is the one being serenaded by the fans. He whips in a low cross from near the byline and Mbeumo catches it luckily, into the back of the net.
Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
14:02 , Flo Clifford‘73: Cunha crosses for Mbeumo, who knocks it down in the box but is robbed by Netz before he can take another touch.
Gibbs-White lofts in a cross down the other end but Lammens catches easily.
Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
14:01 , Flo Clifford‘71: Cunha has an effort deflected behind. The resulting corner is dealt with.
#MUNNFO – 55’
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) May 17, 2026
After VAR review, the referee stuck with the original decision to award a goal to Manchester United.
Referee announcement: “After review, the decision of goal stands because the handball offence is accidental, therefore the final decision is goal.”
Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
13:59 , Flo Clifford‘71: Changes for Forest, who have been knocked for six by that decision. Bakwa, Sangare and Awoniyi are on, Dominguez, Wood and Hutchinson off.
SAVE! Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
13:58 , Flo Clifford‘68: Casemiro plays in Amad but Sels has the measure of him and saves.
Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
13:57 , Flo Clifford‘68: Still in absolute disbelief over that referee call. VAR took three minutes to look at Mbeumo’s handball, told Salisbury to look at the monitor, with the referee then spending another minute watching what is an obvious handball in the box before deciding Cunha’s subsequent goal should stand because it was ‘accidental’. Handball is almost always accidental! But goals still get disallowed for it!
Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
13:53 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordBryan Mbeumo's goal drought has spanned more than three months and that last miss cost Bruno Fernandes a share of the assists record.
OVER THE BAR! Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
13:53 , Flo Clifford‘64: Fernandes sets up Mbeumo but the latter skies it over the bar! Fernandes collapses to the floor and grins in frustration. No excuse for not scoring that.
SAVE! Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
13:52 , Flo Clifford‘62: Gibbs-White darts past two defenders and drives through on goal but is stopped at point-blank range by Lammens. Forest are more than up for this.
GOAL STANDS! Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
13:48 , Flo Clifford‘59: This is madness. Salisbury says the goal stands!
Cunha celebrates in front of the Stretford End. Neville says “that’s ridiculous”. VAR said it should be disallowed but Salisbury overrules!
VAR CHECK: Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
13:47 , Flo Clifford‘58: United’s celebrations were quite muted for that, so they knew it was coming. Gary Neville, on Sky Sports commentary, says it’s a “no-brainer”.
“Honestly, l just don't think that's a goal. It is a clear handball. They have to intervene here.”
VAR CHECK: Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
13:46 , Flo Clifford‘58: Michael Salisbury is called to the monitor.
VAR CHECK: Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
13:45 , Flo Clifford‘57: It’s a clear handball. VAR is having a look.
GOAL! Manchester United 2-1 Nottingham Forest
13:45 , Flo Clifford‘55: United counter and Mbeumo is in space in the box; he’s taken by surprise again and the ball cannons off his arm and hip as he turns, laying off an attempt which blocked, before Cunha taps in the rebound!
Pereira is furious, gesturing to his arm.
Manchester United 1-1 Nottingham Forest
13:44 , Flo Clifford‘55: The goal stands!
GOAL! Manchester United 1-1 Nottingham Forest
13:42 , Flo Clifford‘53: Forest have an equaliser!
It comes from a set-piece, and it’s Morato’s first goal for Forest!
It’s played short to Anderson, who shrusg off Amad with ease, and bends a lovely cross to Morato mere yards from goal. All he has to do is glance his head down. All square!
Although, VAR are checking for offside...
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:40 , Flo Clifford‘51: Corner to United. Fernandes’ delivery is headed away by Igor Jesus.
Cunha sends it back in to Maguire, but his half-volleyed strike takes a deflection.
OVER THE BAR! Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:36 , Flo Clifford‘47: Shaw looks for Cunha and releases him down the left channel; Mbeumo runs into space in the centre but Cunha’s angled pass is beyond him. Amad pulls it back brilliantly right at the byline and Mbeumo takes a terrible touch to fire over the bar. Really poor.
This is his longest spell without finding the net in three years.
SECOND HALF: Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:34 , Flo Clifford‘45: Back underway for the second half. Gibbs-White puts his face mask back on at the last possible moment.
HALF-TIME: Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:20 , Flo Clifford‘45: Lammens dawdles over a goal-kick and the whistle blows for half-time.
United have the lead courtesy of Luke Shaw’s lovely fifth-minute strike, but it could easily be 2-1, with Lammens saving from Gibbs-White seconds before Mbeumo hit the post at the other end. Forest have caused United problems on the counter and have shown flashes of the danger they possess from set-pieces. Plenty still to play for!
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:18 , Flo Clifford‘45: Maguire is denied a free-kick and isn’t very happy about it.
Only one minute added on to what has been an entertaining half, despite this essentially being a dead rubber.
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:17 , Flo Clifford‘44: Gibbs-White steers a long ball brilliantly to Wood, who takes a touch and drives forward, but has Martinez closing him down and out for a corner.
Williams takes it... it’s very deep and United head clear. Maguire complains that he’s been knocked over by Morato in the box.
OVER THE BAR! Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:15 , Flo Clifford‘43: Fernandes is held up by Milenkovic and takes a very quick corner as United try to build on this spell of pressure.
Dalot’s ball floats to Amad on the edge of the six-yard box but he can’t quite get the angle right on his header and it dips over the bar!
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:12 , Flo Clifford‘38: United win their first corner. Martinez whips in a volley but it takes a block, then he wrestles Anderson out the way at the corner flag. He seems to think there was handball as he shot but referee Michael Salisbury isn’t having it, and nor is VAR after a quick check.
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:09 , Flo Clifford‘37: Anderson is fuming as he’s brought down by Casemiro but it’s not given as a foul, and United steam away. Mbeumo is in the box... still can’t find the goal. Goalless in his last 11 games.
Now Dalot plays a short pass in his own box and Maguire just about gets there ahead of Gibbs-White! The masked man is absolutely throwing himself into this.
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:09 , Flo Clifford‘37: Anderson is fuming as he’s brought down by Casemiro but it’s not given as a foul, and United steam away. Mbeumo is in the box... still can’t find the goal. Goalless in his last 11 games.
Now Dalot plays a short pass in his own box and Maguire just about gets there ahead of Gibbs-White! The masked man is absolutely throwing himself into this.
CHANCE! Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:06 , Flo Clifford‘33: Gibbs-White, who is wearing a mask after that facial injury, does well to hold up Dalot right on the edge of the box by the byline, and is fouled for a free-kick. Anderson whips it in and it’s a very good chance but Dominguez heads off-target!
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:03 , Flo Clifford‘31: From the edge of the box Fernandes - who is probably more keen for an assist than a goal today as he nears the Premier League record - skies an attempt over the bar.
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:02 , Flo Clifford‘30: Dangerous moment for United! Anderson is alive to a stray Lammens pass from inside his goal and Mainoo does well to make the last-ditch intercept right on the end of the box.
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:01 , Flo Clifford‘29: A deep cross finds Netz on the left flank, who goes for an acrobatic kick to keep it in play, but United deal with the danger.
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
13:00 , Flo Clifford‘28: Forest have a corner; Anderson’s delivery is deep and Shaw rises highest to head clear.
Williams’ resulting throw-in is worked to Dominguez, who sends in a fine cross, flicked on by Milenkovic... Dalot sends it away.
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
12:56 , Richard Jolly at Old TraffordAlmost a goal for the masked man Morgan Gibbs-White, with Senne Lammens making a fine save. It was notable he waited right until kick-off to put the mask on, which may be a sign he finds it uncomfortable.
SAVE! Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
12:54 , Flo Clifford‘21: Much better from Forest! Gibbs-White slips in behind and is denied at close range by Lammens!
United immediately break and Mbeumo clatters the post at a tight angle with Sels closing in! It’s kept alive though and the ball falls to Casemiro, who sends an attempt whistling wide.
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
12:52 , Flo Clifford‘20: Williams gets held up by Cunha and forced out at the byline for a United goal-kick, which is duly appreciated by the home fans. Forest knock it between themselves for a bit but are getting rather pinned back.
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
12:49 , Flo Clifford‘17: Diallo pulls the ball back into acres of open space but none of his teammates are on the same wavelength. United are enjoying a decent spell here.
CLOSE! Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
12:47 , Flo Clifford‘15: Cries of ‘shoot’ as United flood forward. Fernandes thinks about crossing with plenty of United players forward but sends a tame effort straight into the arms of Sels.
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
12:43 , Flo Clifford‘10: That’s Luke Shaw’s first goal since January 2023!
Now Maguire makes an important tackle to deny Williams from surging into the box, with the Forest defender clearly trying to make amend for the poor defensive header which led to Shaw’s opener.
Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
12:39 , Richard JollyIt's fair to say that Luke Shaw is not a regular scorer. That was just his fifth goal in 12 seasons at United and his first in three and a half.
GOAL! Manchester United 1-0 Nottingham Forest
12:39 , Flo Clifford‘5: A dream start for United!
Dalot hooks in a cross which Forest fail to properly deal with, and Fernandes floats in another one which Williams heads away but not far enough. Luke Shaw is lurking on the edge of the box, takes a touch and fires a low strike into the bottom right corner!
Manchester United 0-0 Nottingham Forest
12:36 , Flo Clifford‘3: Cunha threads a pass through to Mbeumo, who looks to be taken by surprise, but a Forest defender muscles him off the ball.
Manchester United 0-0 Nottingham Forest
12:34 , Flo Clifford‘1: Forest get us underway in the last fixture of the year at Old Trafford. Casemiro, partnering Mainoo in midfield, gets a big cheer for his first touch as the pair string a couple of passes together.
