Fernandes maintains Carrick's flawless record at Manchester United after Romero's red card
Michael Carrick's Manchester United revival continues with a fourth consecutive league win, while Thomas Frank's Tottenham team remains winless in 2026. Bruno Fernandes' 81st-minute goal, a delicate touch off his shin, was a masterpiece. It came from Diogo Dalot's cross, beating Guglielmo Vicario to the left of the goalkeeper and sealing Frank's misery.
Despite the 'disgraceful' outburst from Cristian Romero regarding the lack of outfield players in the draw with Manchester City, the Dane retained the defender as captain. This decision backfired when Romero received his second red card in 10 games, and sixth overall, in just 29 minutes. Frank's team suffered further with Bryan Mbeumo's ninth goal in 20 league appearances, nine minutes later.
Carrick's Midas touch continues, as United last achieved four consecutive league wins under Erik ten Hag in February 2024. The match showcased a feint, punch, and counterpunch pattern, with both teams exchanging passes and constructing moves.
Fernandes, fed by Amad Diallo, prompted Mbeumo down the left, but he missed the target. Xavi Simons, dropping off the left, was the conductor for Spurs, starting an attack in their half and popping up in United's. Conor Gallagher should have beaten Senne Lammens at close range.
Dominic Solanke also failed to profit from Destiny Udogie's ball from the left, as Spurs' No 9 fell over. The teams' formations were mirrored: United's 4-1-1-3-1 and Spurs' 4-2-3-1, with Kobbie Mainoo operating ahead of Casemiro in the engine room.
Frank, making three changes from the City draw, sought a first league victory since December 28. Micky van de Ven's return from injury was a positive, but Romero's challenge on Casemiro outside the area led to a red card. United had a man advantage for 72 minutes, and Mbeumo's clever finish soon followed.
Fernandes' corner kick was rolled to Vicario's near post, where Mainoo met the ball and no-look passed it to the apex of the area. The unmarked Cameroonian slid into the right corner, sparking jubilation for United.
Mbeumo then turned provider, crossing from the right, but Vicario tipped Casemiro's header over. United's slickness contrasted with Spurs' amateurism. Luke Shaw's ball to Diallo was turned in, but he was offside. Udogie's departure in the 55th minute, replaced by Souza, worsened Spurs' woes.
Despite Shaw's infield punt going straight to Simons, the forward's shooting radar was off. Shaw's efforts at goal were beaten out by Vicario, as was Dalot's shot. Benjamin Sesko replaced Cunha, and Frank made triple changes, but it made no difference. Sesko missed a sitter of a header, but it didn't matter as United secured the victory.
