Michael Carrick has revealed that he expects his future at Manchester United to be clarified in the next few days, following his side's 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Sunday. The win secured third place in the Premier League for United, with Bruno Fernandes equalling the single-season assists record.
Fernandes matches Premier League record
Fernandes set up Bryan Mbeumo for United's third goal of the afternoon, his 20th league assist of the season. This feat matches the record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. The Portuguese midfielder's contribution proved vital as United held on for a win that sealed their top-three finish.
Carrick addresses the crowd
After the match, Carrick addressed the Old Trafford crowd, expressing hope for more big moments to come. The 44-year-old is understood to have reached a broad agreement on a deal to remain in charge on a long-term basis. Speaking about his future, Carrick said: "Over the coming days there'll be clarity in the situation. Today what was important was the game and getting the right result, and about some individuals as well. Whatever news there is going to be, I'm sure you'll get it in a few days."
Match highlights
Luke Shaw fired United ahead early, but Morato levelled for Forest early in the second half. Matheus Cunha quickly restored United's advantage with a controversial goal, as the ball struck Mbeumo's arm before falling to Cunha. Despite VAR review, referee Michael Salisbury allowed the goal. Fernandes then set up Mbeumo for a third, which proved crucial as Morgan Gibbs-White pulled one back for Forest.
Carrick praised Fernandes for handling the pressure of chasing the record: "I think he coped with it fantastically well. It was a really nice moment for everybody and credit to him."
Off-field news
United announced after the match that full-back Tyrell Malacia would leave the club in the summer after an injury-hit four-year spell. During the match, a supporter near the directors' box held up a sign criticising minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's stance on immigration, before security removed it.
Forest controversy
Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira expressed frustration over the decision to allow Cunha's goal. "I'm very proud of my players because we got the points before the last two games. If the game was decided in this way and we needed the points to be safe, it would be a big, big problem!" Pereira said Salisbury told him "the control with the hand was after the touch on the body", but Pereira insisted: "In my opinion, he touched the ball with his hand and the goal comes from the control."
Pereira added: "This is the doubt we have in the Premier League at the moment about these decisions. We don't know what is handball or not. I think it's important to have a meeting and try to understand the rules."
Despite speculation about his future, Pereira said: "We're planning next season together. Of course this speculation is normal but I think we did good work together."
