Manchester United 2–0 Tottenham: Carrick’s Perfect Start Continues as Red Devils Win Fourth Straight

Manchester United made it four wins from four under interim boss Michael Carrick with a controlled 2–0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

In the 207th meeting between the two sides, United cruised to victory against a Spurs team reduced to ten men after half an hour.

Cristian Romero was sent off for a reckless follow-through on Casemiro, earning his sixth red card since joining Tottenham and leaving Thomas Frank’s side with a huge task.

United took full advantage. Goals from Bryan Mbuemo and a landmark strike from Bruno Fernandes, his 200th goal involvement for the club since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, sealed a deserved win.

The result extends United’s unbeaten Premier League run to eight games and sees Carrick maintain a perfect record as interim manager. The Red Devils now sit just two points behind third-placed Aston Villa and within touching distance of Manchester City, albeit with Pep Guardiola’s side holding a game in hand.

For Spurs, the defeat ends their eight-game unbeaten run against United and leaves them languishing in 14th on 29 points, with pressure continuing to mount under Thomas Frank.

First Half: Red Card Turns the Game

United began brightly and controlled possession from the opening exchanges. Inside 40 seconds, Mbuemo almost opened the scoring after Fernandes found him in acres of space, but the Cameroonian fired over.

Casemiro and Matheus Cunha both tested Guglielmo Vicario from distance in the opening 20 minutes, with the Spurs goalkeeper forced into action.

The decisive moment arrived on the half-hour mark.

Romero’s dangerous follow-through on Casemiro was punished with a straight red card by referee Michael Oliver, Romero’s second dismissal of the season.

United capitalised quickly. Just ten minutes later, a well-worked short corner saw Fernandes find Kobbie Mainoo on the byline.

His cut-back reached Mbuemo, who calmly side-footed into the bottom-left corner. It was United’s 12th set-piece goal of the season and Mbuemo’s sixth goal in nine appearances against Spurs.

Second Half: Fernandes Seals It

As expected, United dominated possession after the break against ten men. Spurs threatened briefly when Xavi Simons’ left-footed half-volley flashed wide after a Luke Shaw error, but clear chances remained scarce.

Vicario was kept busy, denying efforts from Shaw and Diogo Dalot, while Micky van de Ven produced a crucial block to keep Spurs alive.

However, the pressure told in the final ten minutes. Dalot’s inviting cross narrowly missed Benjamin Sesko but fell perfectly for Fernandes, who timed his run and finished expertly, his effort deflecting off his shin into the bottom-right corner.

The goal killed the contest and capped another commanding display from Carrick’s revitalised side.

What It Means

Tottenham remain winless in 2026 and stay 14th, just nine points above the relegation zone having played a game more than those below. A must-win clash against Newcastle now awaits.

For United, belief continues to grow. Sitting fourth on 44 points, they travel to face West Ham on Tuesday with momentum firmly on their side and the possibility of finishing above their Manchester rivals for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season.

Man of the Match: Bruno Fernandes