Manchester United continued their impressive resurgence under Michael Carrick, securing a 2-0 victory over a 10-man Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday, . The win marked Carrick’s fourth consecutive Premier League triumph since taking the reins, and a ninth consecutive match without a loss for United – their longest such run since .
The match turned decisively in the 29th minute when Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Casemiro. The incident, described as serious foul play, left Spurs with an uphill battle and allowed United to capitalize on their numerical advantage.
Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for United in the 38th minute, converting a well-worked set-piece routine. The goal ignited the Old Trafford crowd and provided a deserved lead for the home side, who had already created several opportunities.
Despite further chances – including goals disallowed for Amad and Matheus Cunha – United had to wait until the 81st minute to extend their lead. Bruno Fernandes, a consistent performer for the Red Devils, finished instinctively from the back post, sealing the victory.
Carrick expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of taking the lead and building momentum. “Normally the first goal is important to get your nose in front, but I think it just sparked an expression and a way of playing,” he said. “It wasn’t just having fun, doing whatever you want like in a playground, it was a dynamic way of playing, but with purpose and confidence.”
The United manager also highlighted the positive atmosphere surrounding the club. “The connection with everyone is very good. The feeling, the emotion, the bond with the players, the staff, the fans… it’s great. We’re winning games in different ways, and that pleases me a lot, and I’m excited to see what’s next.”
Carrick acknowledged the team’s progress, stating, “I’m pleased with the response. We’re in a good place, and that helps us a lot. The four games have looked different. We’re still finding our way, I know that. We just keep building and not getting complacent.” He also praised the contributions of Mbeumo, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo.
Fernandes’ consistent performance was specifically noted by Carrick. “Bruno has been consistently good for a long time. He’s always involved in big moments. He cares about the club, you can see that. He wants the club and the team to do well. He can play in many positions, and he ended up playing off the left and scoring from there.”
Mainoo’s development also drew praise. “There’s no doubting Kobbie’s ability and potential. He’s still very young, and we have to be careful not to expect too much of him. He’s still learning the game. After a period of his best form and not playing for a while…” Carrick trailed off, acknowledging the challenges of managing a young player’s return to the pitch.
“A lot of people might think he’s older and more experienced than he is. But credit to him for adapting and finding his rhythm again, which isn’t easy after a long layoff.”
The victory propelled Manchester United to within three points of second-placed Manchester City, who face a challenging match against Liverpool on Sunday. This closes the gap in the title race and demonstrates United’s ambition to climb the Premier League table. The win also extended United’s unbeaten run to eight games, a testament to the positive impact Carrick has had since assuming the managerial role.
For Tottenham, the defeat was another setback in a disappointing season. They remain in 14th place, with their hopes of Champions League qualification dwindling. The red card to Romero compounded their woes, and manager Thomas Frank confirmed the captain had been “dealt with internally” following a recent social media outburst criticizing the club’s squad depth.
The result marks United’s first win against Tottenham in nine matches across all competitions, ending an eight-game winless streak. The turnaround under Carrick is undeniable, and the team appears to be building a strong foundation for the future. The combination of experienced players like Fernandes and emerging talents like Mainoo provides a promising blend of skill and potential.
With a five-point cushion over Liverpool in sixth place, a Champions League spot is looking increasingly likely for United, given the strong performance of English teams in European competitions. The coming weeks will be crucial as Carrick looks to solidify his position and continue building momentum for the remainder of the season.
