Manchester United’s misery worsened for the visiting team as Cristian Romero was sent off for the second time this season, but Manchester United confidently won 2-0 against a struggling Tottenham side, and Michael Carrick made it four wins from four.
The Spurs captain was defended by Thomas Frank the week after he criticized the club’s “disgraceful” lack of depth on social media. Frank branded the comments “passionate” and opted to use him as part of a revamped back four anyway, only to be given a red for a reckless challenge on Casemiro in the 29th minute.
Romero has been sent off six times in all competitions since making his debut for Spurs in August 2021, more than any other player in the competition over the same period, and faces a four-match ban as a result.
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Soccer Saturday Team discusses Cristian Romero’s sending off for challenging Casemiro during Spurs’ match against Manchester United
Cristian Romero suspended for Tottenham’s next four games including North London derby
The home side’s first goal came nine minutes later from a well-worked set-piece. Bruno Fernandes and Koby Mainu both featured, allowing Brian Mbeumo to bring home his eighth goal of a productive season. Despite the lack of follow-on goals, United’s attacking coordination was impressive and they needed a late chance to secure the second goal that would ultimately decide the game, courtesy of Fernandes in the 81st minute.
The same cannot be said for the Spurs. Under Frank, Tottenham were on the back foot after the break and had no chance of winning, and that proved once again. Romero’s sacking has raised further questions about the management of a team hit by injuries, but they are certainly better off than they were in 14th place. Despite having all the players in the first half, they looked expressionless.
Carrick’s permanent audition at Old Trafford is going from strength to strength, cementing his place in the top four, while Frank’s credibility is steadily fading. Spurs have suffered their 10th defeat and are just nine points out of the Premier League’s drop zone.
Fernandes: Carrick added something ‘special’
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes told TNT Sports:
“It’s unbelievable. Even though we had some moments where we weren’t good, the crowd was still like this. We won, so the energy is different. Everything looks brighter.”
On Carrick’s influence: “Carrick came in with the right ideas and gave the players responsibility and freedom on the pitch.
“It was very good. I was sure he would be a great manager and he is showing that. I hope we can support him further.”
“Everyone understands the pressure of playing for this club and knows the expectations around them. He knows what it means for this club to win. It adds something special to the team.”
Frank has no regrets about making Romero his captain.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank:
“We started well and it was a good performance away. We were very evenly matched. I’m happy. The red card changed the game. I’m proud of the players for the 60 minutes, how they showed resilience and stayed in the game and kept fighting. We still created moments.”
“It’s very tough to go out there and not get enough results, and we haven’t got enough wins. There’s still a lot of work to do. But the form has to back it up and we have to keep doing the right things. We have no choice but to keep going and that’s what we’re going to do.”
“When times are really tough, you just put your head down, get up, and work hard. There’s no other way.”
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Despite Cristian Romero’s red card against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank defended making the defender captain.
Regarding Romero’s red: “A red card is a red card. I saw it five times. Kuti tried to get the ball. He plays with passion and aggression, but it’s a fine line.”
Asked if he regretted making him captain, he said: “No, he apologized to his teammates in the changing room. He is one of our most important players. I will not give him a red card.”
“He apologized to the team. That’s enough for me now. There’s nothing more I can do.”
Carrick: The key to undefeated
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick:
“I encourage playing with confidence, not flicks and tricks.
“The connection with everyone was amazing above all. The feeling, the emotion and the connection with the players, the staff, the fans, that’s very good. We had to win the game in different ways. I’m very happy to be able to see the stadium like this and look forward to the excitement.”
“I’m happy with the buy-in. We’re in a good place mentally so that helps. The last four games have looked different but we haven’t broken it and we know that.”
