Manchester United maintained their perfect run under Michael Carrick with a fourth consecutive Premier League victory, while Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles continued under Thomas Frank, who has yet to secure a win in 2026.
Bruno Fernandes delivered the decisive moment, scoring in the 80th minute. His touch, a delicate deflection off Diogo Dalot’s cross, beat goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and confirmed a miserable day for Spurs.
Cristian Romero received his second red card in 10 games (sixth overall for the club) on 29 minutes, following a reckless stamp on Casemiro’s ankle outside the penalty area. Romero’s dismissal left Spurs with ten men for the remainder of the match, prompting jeers from the Old Trafford crowd. Radu Drăgușin replaced Romero at centre-back, while Wilson Odobert was sacrificed to accommodate the substitution.
Carrick’s decision to retain Romero as captain after his “disgraceful” reaction last Sunday against Manchester City had backfired, and the Argentine defender now faces intense scrutiny over his armband.
With a man advantage for 72 minutes, Manchester United controlled the game. Bryan Mbeumo’s clever finish eight minutes after Romero’s red card opened the scoring. Fernandes’s role was crucial, providing the corner that allowed Kobbie Mainoo to no-look pass to Mbeumo, who calmly slotted the ball home.
Moments later, Mbeumo continued to create chances as a cross from the right saw Casemiro’s header tipped over by Vicario. United dominated possession and movement, building slick passing sequences while Spurs struggled to maintain defensive cohesion. Luke Shaw and Amad Diallo combined in the attack, though offside and fine saves prevented further goals.
Thomas Frank’s triple substitution, introducing Kolo Randal Muani, Yves Bissouma, and Mathys Tel, had no effect on the match. Benjamin Sesko also missed a late-header opportunity, but United’s dominance meant Spurs could not mount a comeback.
For Carrick, this victory cements a strong mid-season record. United’s last run of four consecutive league wins came under Erik ten Hag in February 2024.
