This is the new, serendipitous Michael Carrick Manchester United era, helped by confusing officiating to edge past Nottingham Forest, on the day Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League record for assists in a season. If it was not for a lack of obvious options four months ago, United and Carrick may not have been reunited, nor would they be guaranteed third in the Premier League and heading back to the Champions League.
It is, arguably, fortunate that Fernandes is still here after feeling United were keen to sell him a year ago but now he sits alongside Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry at the top of the creative charts.