7M - Manchester United Secure Convincing Win Against Tottenham with Romero Sent Off

Manchester United extended their positive run under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Old Trafford on February 7, 2026. This result marks United's fourth consecutive victory under Carrick, solidifying their hold on a top-four position in the Premier League and increasing the difficulties for Spurs and manager Thomas Frank, whose team is still without a league win in 2026.

United started the match with intensity and clear intent, buoyed by a series of recent successes against strong teams. Carrick's choice to play Bryan Mbeumo as the central attacker proved effective, with the forward continuing his good run by netting the crucial first goal. Tottenham's challenge was severely hampered by an incident in the first half that reduced them to ten men for the majority of the game.

The pivotal moment occurred in the 29th minute. Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, who has recently been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the club's lack of transfer activity, made a rash tackle on United's Casemiro. The official immediately showed a direct red card, sending Romero off for his second dismissal this season. Since his arrival at Tottenham in 2021, this marks his sixth sending-off, the highest tally for any Premier League player in that period. His exit forced Frank's team to play with ten men for over sixty minutes.

United promptly took advantage of their extra player. Just nine minutes after the red card, from a practiced corner kick, Bruno Fernandes found Kobbie Mainoo, who smartly laid the ball back for Mbeumo. Unmarked near the penalty area, the Cameroonian international calmly placed his shot into the corner to put United ahead. This was Mbeumo's second goal against Tottenham this season, a particularly frustrating outcome for Frank, who had tried to sign the player from Brentford last summer before he joined United.

Dominating possession with 65% of the ball, United controlled the game thereafter. Their attacking players—Mbeumo, Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and Matheus Cunha—were full of movement, creating chances and testing the Spurs goal. United registered 23 total attempts, with 10 on target. In stark contrast, Tottenham could only muster a single shot on target and failed to earn a corner throughout the match.

Despite being a player short, Tottenham displayed moments of determination, notably through goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario's efforts. Vicario later told TNT Sports, "It is incredibly difficult, especially in a stadium like this. But I am proud of my teammates for showing such resilience and hard work. Trying to come back from 1-0 down with ten men is a huge challenge. Their character and effort today, playing 10 against 11, is something we can build on for our club and our fans, even though another defeat is hard to take. We must focus on the positives for our next match."

Romero's suspension will see him miss Tottenham's next four games, adding to the team's challenges amid an injury crisis and his recent public comments about squad depth. Vicario added, "He is upset because he knows the red card was avoidable, and he has apologized. He is our captain; he made a mistake today, but we know his quality, and he will return stronger to help us for the rest of the season."

United's control grew in the second half. Their midfield, led by Casemiro and the increasingly influential Mainoo, circulated the ball efficiently. Carrick's tactical adjustments, including deploying Fernandes in a more attacking position, allowed the Portuguese star to direct play and connect with the forwards.

The second goal came in the 81st minute to seal the win. Diogo Dalot advanced on the right wing and sent in an accurate cross that Fernandes tapped in from close range, ending any remaining Tottenham hopes of a comeback. The home supporters celebrated as their team secured a fourth straight league win, extending their unbeaten streak to seven matches.

Fernandes praised Carrick's impact after the match, stating to TNT, "The atmosphere is different because we are winning, and winning makes everything better. Michael came in with the right approach, giving the players more responsibility and freedom to make decisions on the pitch. I always believed he could be an excellent manager, and he is demonstrating that."

The league table shows United now have 44 points from 25 matches, placing them four points ahead of Chelsea in fifth and only three behind second-place Manchester City. With 13 games left, Carrick's team is well-placed to aim for a higher finish, although league leaders Arsenal's steady form means a title challenge remains unlikely at this stage.

For Tottenham, the situation is concerning. The loss leaves them in 14th place with 29 points from 25 games, still looking for their first league victory of 2026. Pressure is building on Frank, who has struggled to replicate his Brentford success. The team's lack of attacking threat and ongoing disciplinary issues are significant worries as they try to reverse their form and avoid being caught in a fight against relegation.

United's superiority was evident beyond the scoreline. They achieved a 90% pass completion rate and dominated territory, leaving Tottenham with little opportunity. United goalkeeper Senne Lammens had very little to do, facing only one notable shot. Defenders Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez were commanding, while Casemiro's experience in midfield was crucial once again.

Kobbie Mainoo's display was particularly noteworthy. The homegrown talent provided the assist for the first goal and consistently progressed the play with his energy and precise passing. His growth under Carrick has led to speculation about a potential call-up to the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Tottenham find few consolations. Injuries, Romero's suspension, and squad limitations have created significant challenges. As Vicario noted, the team's spirit and effort persist, but it is uncertain if that will be sufficient to improve their results.

At the final whistle, the difference between the two sides was clear. Manchester United, full of confidence and momentum, continue to progress under Carrick's guidance. Tottenham, meanwhile, are left to reflect on a disappointing performance and consider the changes needed to rescue their season.