Man Utd
How a Disputed Corner and an Assistant’s Signal Sparked Fury After Forest 2–2 Man Utd
Dyche called the opening goal ‘farcical’ after Casemiro’s corner; VAR cannot review corners. period.
Manchester United’s opening goal in the 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest provoked a fierce reaction from the Forest camp after a corner was awarded that manager Sean Dyche described as “farcical.” Referee Darren England deferred to his assistant Akil Howson, who signalled for a corner from the opposite side of the pitch. Casemiro headed United in front from that set piece.
Dyche led the complaints, telling Sky Sports: “It’s not inconclusive,” and adding, “I’ve seen it back.” In his postmatch press conference he continued: “Of course you can argue about us dealing with it, but the point is it’s the wrong decision. What’s even worse is that the assistant referee has given it from 75 yards away, behind the view of the goal. Apparently he can see it.
“We can clearly see the ball hanging over the line. Whether it’s three-quarters or not is irrelevant, the fact is it’s not out. It’s really disappointing.” Dyche also called for VAR intervention, but video assisted officials at Stockley Park cannot rule on corner kicks.
There is ongoing discussion among the game’s lawmakers about extending VAR’s remit to consider second yellow cards ahead of next summer’s World Cup. Premier League referees chief Howard Webb has previously expressed reluctance to empower VAR even further; “less is more” is his preferred stance, making a change to review corners unlikely.
Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White added: “It’s something that needs looking at,” and, continuing the theme of recriminations, “it has cost us two extra points today.” Off the field, attention around United’s recent run — a three-match winning streak — drew further colour. That streak prompted scrutiny of Frank Ilett, the Red Devils fan behind The United Strand, who is recording his refusal to cut his hair until the club win five successive matches. United goalkeeper Senne Lammens recently admitted that Illett’s hijinks have perforated United’s dressing room.
Forest wingback Neco Williams posted on social media: “Deserved more than a point,” he wrote. “That trim might have to wait.” For United head coach Ruben Amorim the result was something to build on: “If I think about game, we lost control for five minutes,” he told Match of the Day. “I feel in the recent past if we had had this situation [going from 1–0 up to 2–1 down] we would have struggled so much more than today.
“My feeling is we played well but we dropped a little bit of energy. When we have the full energy we are the better team. My players are giving everything but we have the potential to do better.
“Sometimes we have these moments. In the end we lost two points and we need to get three points in the next game.”
Man Utd
Mount Close to Return After Training Knock, Carrick Confirms
Mount missed the Fulham win with a training knock; Carrick expects him to return very soon. next wk.
Mason Mount could be available for Manchester United very soon after a training knock forced him to miss the victory over Fulham. The manager addressed the situation before the game and offered reassurance on Mount’s condition. “He took a bit of a knock in training, but it’s nothing serious. We’re disappointed he is not with us but he’ll be back very soon.”
That comment leaves open the possibility Mount returns as early as next weekend. United host Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday in pursuit of a fourth consecutive win. If he does not feature there, the next opportunity would arrive three days later at the London Stadium against West Ham United on Feb. 10.
United secured the three points against Fulham thanks to Benjamin Šeško’s stoppage-time winner after surrendering a 2–0 lead. The result moved United back into the Premier League top four following Liverpool and Chelsea wins 24 hours earlier that had briefly pushed Carrick’s side down to sixth.
Mount’s progress this season has been hindered intermittently by minor knocks, though he has generally been available. Fitness and injuries also limited his availability during his first two years at Manchester United after his £60 million ($82.3 million) move from Chelsea in 2023. That period curtailed his adaptation to the squad.
Under the current Carrick system Mount is effectively competing with Bruno Fernandes for the No. 10 role, which has restricted his opportunities. United’s lack of other competition commitments outside the Premier League reduces the need for broader rotation that clubs involved in Europe or domestic cup runs still require.
A separate injury to Patrick Dorgu returned Matheus Cunha to the starting lineup against Fulham. Cunha could retain that left-sided role for an extended period. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and the aforementioned Fernandes have started each of Carrick’s matches in charge and remain the preferred choices in the other attacking positions.
Championship
Hayden Hackney to remain at Middlesbrough as Manchester United pursue midfield targets
Hayden Hackney rules out a Deadline Day move amid Manchester United interest, focused on promotion..
Hayden Hackney has confirmed he will not be leaving Middlesbrough on Deadline Day after attracting interest from Manchester United. Asked about a possible departure, he was clear: “No,” he said when asked about a possible departure. “I’m really happy.
Hackney credited the way he is being used under his manager and said that role has helped him enjoy his football. “The manager [Kim Hellberg] has got me playing the way I enjoy playing, getting the best out of me. So yeah, I’m really enjoying it. This is what I’ve wanted to do ever since I was a kid, play for Middlesbrough.
On the club’s season objectives, Hackney emphasised the collective aim. “And where we are in the league at the minute, as long as we just keep going, we feel confident. Winning promotion with Middlesbrough would mean everything to me. I don’t know how I’d be, but I know I’d be over the moon. That is the dream.” His remarks underline a commitment to the club as the transfer window closes.
Manchester United, who see midfield as a priority across 2026, did not sign Hackney before Monday’s deadline. The club is already preparing for a busy summer window and are expected to go “very big” to make a handful of new signings. That work is being undertaken with space and funds to be freed by the impending departure of Casemiro. Reported targets include Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba, each described as potential big-money signings who could cost close to £100 million ($137 million) each.
Fulham
Šeško’s stoppage-time strike seals 3-2 as Casemiro dominates before late wobble
A stoppage-time winner made it 3-2 after Casemiro’s early influence and a chaotic finish at Trafford
Benjamin Šeško’s 94th-minute finish completed a dramatic 3-2 victory for Manchester United over Fulham on Sunday, capping a match that swung wildly after the influential Casemiro left the pitch.
Casemiro produced a commanding first-half display in his first Old Trafford appearance since announcing his exit this summer. He opened the scoring with a towering header after 19 minutes and later supplied a no-look pass that set up Matheus Cunha. Bruno Fernandes’ free kick arced onto Casemiro’s forehead for that opening goal, underlining the midfielder’s influence in both phases.
“Brazil’s 2002 World Cup winning defensive midfielder Gilberto Silva once described his compatriot Casemiro as “The Invisible Man.”” He was on show for all to see against Fulham.
With 15 minutes to play Casemiro was substituted and walked off to a standing ovation with United leading 2-0. His withdrawal coincided with a vulnerable spell in the centre of the pitch. Fulham probed through that area, and United were made to pay when Harry Maguire’s late lunge conceded a penalty, allowing Fulham back into the contest.
Cunha had earlier taken advantage of Patrick Dorgu’s absence, drifting infield from the left before arriving on the right to score 10 minutes into the second half with a powerful finish from Casemiro’s pass. Cunha, promoted to the starting XI while Dorgu recovered, provided a different attacking option and ended up on the scoresheet.
Substitute Šeško, introduced in the 74th minute, struck the bar with his first touch before calmly nodding home the winner after more messy late moments.
Player ratings highlighted strong performances from Casemiro (8.8) and Bruno Fernandes (8.6), with goalkeeper Senne Lammens noted for several important saves (8.1). Manuel Ugarte offered a brief substitute appearance (6.5). Several late subs were without ratings.
Match statistics showed United had 42% possession to Fulham’s 58%. Expected goals read 1.74 for United and 1.97 for Fulham. Total shots were 13 to 14, shots on target 6 each, big chances 3 to 2, passing accuracy 87% to 90% and fouls 6 to 9.
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