A thrilling contest at Old Trafford featured a controversial goal and a slice of history, as Fernandes matched the single-season record for assists.

Luke Shaw got the ball rolling when he struck on five minutes, marking United's earliest league goal at Old Trafford since January 2024.

Bryan Mbeumo should have doubled United's lead, only to strike the post after rounding Matz Sels on the break, and the Cameroon forward then skied over early in the second half.

United was made to pay when Elliot Anderson's wicked delivery was nodded in by Morato in the 53rd minute, yet the Red Devils were swiftly back ahead in contentious fashion.

Matheus Cunha side-footed home after a bit of pinball in the Forest box, but it was clear that Mbuemo had handled in the build-up. The VAR advised referee Michael Salisbury to go to the screen, but he insisted the goal should stand, citing an accidental handball.

Fernandes's record-equalling moment came in the 76th minute, as his drilled cross was turned in by Mbeumo.

Morgan Gibbs-White's exquisite first-time finish dragged Forest back to within a goal, but the best chances then fell to Man Utd, with Fernandes teeing up three opportunities.

Patrick Dorgu could not beat Sels, Diogo Dalot hit the post, and Joshua Zirkzee saw a shot blocked before he forced a fantastic stop out of Forest's goalkeeper on the rebound.