There were emotional scenes at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon as Manchester United played their final home game of the Premier League season. A 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest. A farewell to a legend. And a captain who refused to stop chasing history.
The day started with academy awards. It ended with tears, chants and a banner that said it all: “Até à Morte” until death.
Here are the moments you might have missed.
Casemiro’s goodbye
Some United fans wore Casemiro masks outside the ground. The Brazilian’s time in Manchester has been a rollercoaster but overcoming the low moments only endeared him to supporters more.
Before kick off, a banner was unfurled from the upper tier of the Stretford End. “Até à Morte.” Casemiro had approved it at Carrington earlier this month. Seeing it at Old Trafford? A lovely moment.
The chants of “du, du, du, Casemiro” started well in advance of kick off. When the teams came out, his name was deafening.
When he was replaced in the 80th minute, there were tears in his eyes. He bowed to each corner of Old Trafford. Waved. Shared a warm embrace with Michael Carrick.
A proper send off.
Fernandes laughed off a miss then screamed at the terraces
Bruno Fernandes was a single assist shy of equalling the Premier League record, held jointly by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
It felt inevitable. But time was running out.
When Bryan Mbeumo fired over after a pass from Fernandes, the captain laughed it off. No frustration. No tantrum. Just a smile and a sprint back into position.
Then Mbeumo converted his cross. Fernandes celebrated wildly. Screaming at the terraces. The record was his.
Business as usual.
Forest fury
Matheus Cunha’s goal seemed likely to be chalked off. The referee blew his whistle. VAR was checking a potential Mbeumo handball in the build up.
Replays appeared conclusive. Handball. Surely.
The goal stood.
The Forest analysts in the press box reacted furiously. One waved his arms, copying the action Mbeumo had made. Another was overheard criticising the call.
Vitor Pereira reacted similarly on the touchline, airing his views to the fourth official. United have had decisions go against them this season but this one went in their favour.
The ‘Geordie Maradona’ audition
Elliot Anderson is at the top of United’s transfer shortlist. Plenty of eyes on him from the directors’ box.
Forest fans chanted his name just a few minutes in. “Geordie Maradona.” Jokingly compared to the Argentine great because of his silky skills.
Then he put on a show.
Outmuscled Fernandes. Won the ball from Casemiro. Danced away from United shirts. Then provided the assist for Forest’s equaliser.
An audition? He passed.
Carrick nailed his speech
United’s interim boss spoke after the game. Touched on Casemiro. The fans. Hopes for next season.
Made a classy mention to Tyrell Malacia, who has struggled with injuries for years.
No drama. No deflection. Just a manager who gets it.
Fan warned, then applauded
A United fan in front of the press box held up a message to the directors’ box where Sir Jim Ratcliffe was sitting. A steward spoke to him. He was briefly taken into the concourse.
Other fans complained. After five minutes, he was allowed back to his seat.
The crowd applauded.
End of season theatre? Absolutely.
The bottom line
United won. Casemiro said goodbye. Fernandes made history. Anderson announced himself.
A final home game that had everything. Tears. Fury. Records. And a banner that read “until death.”
Old Trafford won’t forget this one in a hurry.
