Manchester United v Nottingham Forest LIVE: Shearer and Neville fume at VAR awarding Cunha’s goal in narrow win

Former 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.”

Sky 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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

Also 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)

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.

Here’s the full explanation for why Matheus Cunha’s goal was allowed to stand:

A 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.

United 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.