Michael Carrick’s post-match tone was bigger than Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest. At Old Trafford, he thanked the crowd, praised the atmosphere and made the case that Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo should be in the England conversation. The Manchester Evening News report also says his appointment as permanent head coach is imminent.

What Carrick said about Old Trafford

Carrick did not hide what he thought of the night. “Thank you, I could listen to that (chants from the fans) all night, but we have to stop. What a way to end the season. I thought we played ever so well today. It's unbelievable to see this place like this, it's such a special place,” he said to the Manchester Evening News.

He added: “The best thing about this place is you lot, as Case has just said. We've had some big moments and some big goals in this place over the last few months. Hopefully we have more of them.”

The result was United’s final home game of the season, and Casemiro played 81 minutes in what was his final home appearance. Before kick-off, Carrick also asked the crowd to show their appreciation to Tyrell Malacia after mentioning his injury problems.

Why Carrick backed Shaw, Maguire and Mainoo

Carrick’s England message was direct. Speaking to Metro, he said of the trio: “I certainly think so, yeah. I've not got much sway in the matter at all but I certainly think so.”

On Shaw, he was even more specific: “He's a fantastic full-back and I think all three of them have done their chances no harm recently, for sure.”

Shaw had an especially good evening. He scored the opening goal after 5 minutes and finished with a 7.2 rating. Bruno Fernandes also had a strong night, with one assist against Forest and a match-high 8.5 rating. The numbers back up Carrick’s point that United’s senior players finished with authority, even if the England argument is still just that, an argument.

The one claim worth treating carefully is the assist record talk around Fernandes. The MEN report framed the night as a milestone moment, but the stats provided here only confirm one assist against Forest and strong season output. What is clear is that Fernandes finished with 20 goal contributions in 34 appearances, and his 7 key passes against Forest show how heavily United leaned on him again.

FAQ

Why did Michael Carrick praise Old Trafford after Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest?

Carrick focused on the atmosphere and the people around the club after Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. He said he could listen to the fans all night and called the stadium a special place, while also thanking the crowd and pointing to the big moments and goals there.

Why is Luke Shaw being talked about for England after the Forest win?

Carrick backed Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo for England consideration after the win. He said Shaw is a fantastic full-back and that all three have done their chances no harm recently. The brief does not say they have been selected, only that Carrick believes they deserve consideration.

What happened in Manchester United’s final home game of the season?

Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford in their final home game of the season. Luke Shaw scored the opening goal after 5 minutes, Bruno Fernandes had one assist and a match-high 8.5 rating, and Casemiro played 81 minutes in what was his final home appearance for the club.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →