United View: Casemiro bids farewell as Bruno equals assist record

The season’s final game at Old Trafford provided several talking points from a new home kit, Bruno Fernandes matching the Premier League assist record and Casemiro bidding farewell to the United faithful.

For the first time in Manchester United’s history, the new kit was debuted early, with the United Women wearing it in their WSL clash with Chelsea before it was worn on Sunday against Nottingham Forest.

Inspired by the 1976-77 season, when United lifted the FA Cup to stop Liverpool from being the first side to complete the treble. 

But it’s caused a stir online for the thick Adidas stripes that run down the sleeve, and for donning a red collar, opposed to the white collar from the aforementioned season.

Whatever you think of the design, I think we can all agree that at £85 a piece, it’s probably worth swerving.

United ran out 3-2 winners against Forest, with goals from Luke Shaw, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. 

Cunha’s goal caused debate as the ball appeared to have been handled by Mbeumo in the buildup, but the goal was still awarded despite a VAR check.

Casemiro was substituted with ten minutes to go, allowing the Old Trafford fans to embrace the Brazilian for the final time. 

He’ll be remembered fondly by United fans, despite being told he should leave football by Jamie Carragher during United’s worst spell. 

Thankfully, he didn’t, and he’s played a huge role in United achieving Champions League football.

Sunday’s game also saw Bruno Fernandes hit 20 assists for the season, equalling the Premier League record, thanks to Mbeumo’s goal in the 76th minute. 

Had his teammates taken their chances, he could have broken the record that day, but now he heads to Brighton needing one more to be the outright record-holder.

No one has been better than United’s captain this season, and he should be the frontrunner as player of the season. 

Arsenal and Manchester City may have competed for the title, but individually, it’s hard to say any of their squad has produced more than Bruno has for United.

Hopefully, he’ll be leading the Reds out next season, and if reports are to be believed, Michael Carrick will also be there. 

He gave nothing away on Sunday when asked if he would become the next permanent manager, but it’s looking more and more likely.

There is little chance of landing an elite manager on the level of Luis Enrique, so keeping Carrick would be a sensible and welcome decision. 

Fans also wanted to keep Erik ten Hag, but unlike the Dutchman, he has the backing of the squad.

Carrick has turned around United’s season, and it’ll be good to see him be allowed to further improve the squad with a transfer window, where he’ll have some say in comings and goings.

One final game remains. Third place is already confirmed, so the goal now has to be scoring any chance created by Bruno Fernandes. 

Expect to see the Portuguese international try every Hollywood ball imaginable at Brighton.

United will be ending the season in positive spirits, hopeful of what’s to come next campaign.