Manchester United took full advantage of Tottenham captain Cristian Romero’s red card to extend their perfect start under Michael Carrick to four games, sealing a 2–0 Premier League victory at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes ended an eight-match winless run against Spurs and strengthened United’s grip on a top-four place.
The Red Devils moved within two points of third-placed Aston Villa and opened a five-point gap over sixth-placed Liverpool. A top-five finish is expected to secure Champions League qualification next season due to the strong performance of English clubs in Europe.
For Tottenham, hopes of qualifying for the Champions League via the league have long faded, and another damaging defeat under Thomas Frank leaves them languishing in 14th place.
Romero’s dismissal could have lasting consequences. The Argentina international was sent off on 29 minutes for a reckless challenge on Casemiro, his second red card of the season and sixth in a Spurs shirt, earning him a four-match suspension.
The incident came just days after Romero criticised Tottenham’s hierarchy on social media, describing the club’s thin squad as “disgraceful” following the closure of the transfer window. Frank said the defender had been “dealt with internally,” but his future as captain had already been called into question.
United were the better side even before the sending-off and made their numerical advantage count.
Mbeumo opened the scoring with a composed finish from the edge of the box following a cleverly worked corner involving Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. It was the Cameroon international’s third goal in four games since Carrick took charge.
Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha later had efforts ruled out for offside as United dominated, but they had to wait until nine minutes from time to secure the points.
Fernandes led by example, turning in Diogo Dalot’s cross at the back post to record his 200th goal or assist in 314 appearances for the club.
Carrick had said before the match that United could not afford to rush the appointment of a new permanent manager, but the former midfielder, who enjoyed a glittering playing career at Old Trafford is strengthening his case as he oversees a remarkable turnaround since the departure of Ruben Amorim last month.
AFP
