EPL: United punish Romero red card to extend Carrick’s perfect start

Manchester United extended their flawless start under Michael Carrick to four matches with a 2–0 Premier League victory over Tottenham at Old Trafford, capitalising on a costly red card shown to Spurs captain Cristian Romero.

Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes brought to an end an eight-game winless run against Tottenham and strengthened United’s grip on a top-four place. The result moves United within two points of third-placed Aston Villa and gives them a five-point cushion over Liverpool in sixth.

With English clubs excelling in Europe this season, a top-five finish is expected to be enough to secure qualification for next season’s Champions League, a prospect now firmly in United’s control.

Tottenham’s hopes of returning to Europe via their league position have long since faded, and this latest defeat leaves Thomas Frank’s side languishing in 14th place. The fallout may be significant for Romero, whose ill-discipline proved decisive just days after a public outburst directed at the club’s hierarchy.

Frank revealed the Argentine had been “dealt with internally” after describing Tottenham’s depleted squad as “disgraceful” on social media following the closure of the transfer window. Romero’s future as captain had already been under scrutiny, and the 27-year-old will now serve a four-match suspension after his second red card of the season and sixth since joining Spurs.

The centre-back was dismissed in the 29th minute after lunging into Casemiro’s ankle, having played himself into trouble just outside his own penalty area. United had already been on top before the sending-off and made their numerical advantage count.

Mbeumo opened the scoring with a composed finish into the bottom corner, his third goal in four games since Carrick’s appointment, after a cleverly worked corner involving Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo created space on the edge of the area.

United continued to dominate, with Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha both seeing goals ruled out for offside, before finally sealing the points nine minutes from time. Fernandes led by example, converting Diogo Dalot’s cross at the back post for his 200th goal involvement in 314 appearances for the club.

Carrick had insisted before kick-off that United must not rush their decision on a permanent managerial appointment. However, the former midfielder, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career at Old Trafford, is strengthening his claim for the role as he oversees a remarkable turnaround following Ruben Amorim’s departure last month.