Fernandes moved alongside Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne in the single-season assist list when his cross was turned in by Bryan Mbeumo for United’s third goal at Old Trafford.
Mbeumo was also involved for the game’s most controversial moment when his handball in the build-up to Matheus Cunha’s strike went unpunished despite a VAR review.
Luke Shaw volleyed United in front after just five minutes, but Forest did level seven minutes into the second half when Elliot Anderson’s cross was headed in by Morato.
United raced down the other end and Cunha swept home after the ball rebounded off Mbeumo’s thigh onto his arm.
Fernandes’ record-equalling moment arrived 14 minutes from full-time when Mbeumo prodded in his drilled cross for his first goal since February.
Morgan Gibbs-White reduced the deficit in the 78th minute.
But United held on to add another victory to their impressive run since interim boss Michael Carrick arrived in January to replace the sacked Ruben Amorim.
Carrick is expected to sign a two-year contract to remain in charge on a permanent basis.
“Over the coming days there’ll be clarity in the situation,” the former United midfielder said of his future.
Elsewhere, West Ham’s 3-1 defeat at Newcastle left Tottenham realistically only needing one more point to win the battle for Premier League survival.
Spurs can avoid dropping out of the English top flight for the first time in nearly 50 years with victory at Chelsea on Tuesday, but a draw would also likely suffice thanks to their much superior goal difference over West Ham.
A third consecutive defeat left the Hammers needing favours and they were well beaten at St. James’ Park against a Newcastle side who had little to play for.
Nick Woltemade turned in Harvey Barnes’ cross for his first league goal since December.
William Osula then finished off a flowing Newcastle move to double the lead inside 20 minutes.
Osula struck again with his fifth goal in six games and even a stunning strike from Taty Castellanos was little consolation for the visitors.
West Ham’s only hope of survival is if they beat Leeds on the final day and Tottenham lose to both Chelsea and Everton. (AFP)