Man UTD 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur: Goals in both halves from Brian Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes help the Red Devils win their fourth consecutive Premier League win.
Brian Mbeumo scores Manchester United’s opening goal after a deft set-piece routine (Image: James Gill/Danehouse)
Michael Carrick has further strengthened his chances of becoming Manchester United’s full-time head coach by sacrificing a win over Tottenham Hotspur to oversee a fourth consecutive win.
Cristian Romero was sent off for a moment of stupidity, which meant Spurs had to respond. And the Londoners’ misery was compounded seven minutes before half-time when Brian Mbeumo broke the deadlock with a deft set-piece routine with a precision side-footed finish past Guglielmo Vicario.
With man-advantage, United looked for another goal, but they were unable to score until the 81st minute when Bruno Fernandes burst on to end the game.
Here, Mirror Football highlights the big talking points from Saturday’s match at Old Trafford…
read more: Tottenham star handed long-term ban after Casemiro red card; instant verdict given to Christy Romeroread more: Luke Littler’s perfect response to Tottenham fans’ jeers at Old Trafford after Newcastle game
1) United Ends Spurs Hoodoo
Tottenham were unbeaten in their previous eight meetings with Manchester United. But that statistic was always borrowed time from the second time Romero was sent off by Michael Oliver.
United got the goal that should have put them under pressure, with Mbeumo scoring from inside a crowded penalty area after some fine play. And although it took until the final 10 minutes to completely defeat Spurs, there was never any doubt about the result.
It’s been a while since United beat Tottenham in any competition, let alone the Premier League. Former Spurs midfielder Carrick will be very happy about this.
2) Romero sees red
Cristian Romero was shown a red card for a foul on Casemiro (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
They say actions speak louder than words. And Romero’s latest red card (he’s up to six now, if you’re counting) completely eclipsed the latest verbal volley in the Spurs hierarchy in midweek.
A stupid follow-through on Casemiro’s ankle meant the Tottenham captain was given his marching orders. To no one’s surprise, Romero has once again let his club and teammates down in a big game – and he’ll be smartly paid to do it again and again.
This is because Romero has a stronger sense of responsibility than a leader. The player will miss Tottenham’s next four games and, if selected by Liverpool, will not play again until mid-March. And no one would begrudge Thomas Frank if he decided not to recall him.
3) The magic of set pieces
A moment of genius between Fernandes, Mainu and Koby Mainu from a corner kick was enough to take the game away from Tottenham with just a few minutes remaining in the first half.
Spurs were caught completely off guard when Fernandes curled a low ball to Maynou at his near post. He then posted the ball to Mbuemo, who kept his cool and slotted an accurate low shot into the bottom corner from a desperate Vicario.
Set-pieces have become so important in the Premier League this season that at times it feels like a bit of a throwback. The good news for United as they aim to finish in the top four is that this clever routine was not a one-off. Only Arsenal have a better record than Manchester United when it comes to non-penalty goals from set pieces this season.
4) Amorim’s Mynu Puzzler
Koby Mainu impressed once again for Manchester United (Image: Ash Donnellon/Manchester United FC)
There is no need to explain the Mynu, who were vilified by the previous government. Everyone knows how talented he is. Yet, each time I watch United with Carrick in charge, Amorim’s reluctance to find his place in the team becomes more and more perplexing.
Only Fernandes (four) completed more big passes than England’s three stars, and he was effortlessly cool and classy here as United race towards yet another big win. This is not the first time they have featured prominently for United, with Fernandes’ goal contributing to his 200th goal in a red shirt.
Mainu has played more minutes in four Premier League games under Carrick than in all of Amorim’s games. The most exciting thing for United and Mainu is that there is a lot more to come.
5) Carrick in the frame
Michael Carrick has started his dream life in the Manchester United hotseat (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA)
Carrick showed a lesson on the eve of the match, insisting there could be no “wicked” decision to take over as Manchester United’s head coach, despite his strong start in the hot seat. Even if United’s top brass decide to pull the trigger after a significant turnaround in form, he will be the main beneficiary.
The problem is that soon we will be far beyond the realm of common sense. With four consecutive Premier League wins, Carrick has achieved what his predecessor Ruben Amorim was unable to do. So how many wins does Carrick have to win before he’s considered a smart choice?
The next few weeks will be interesting, as if United continue to win, Carrick will be difficult to ignore. They are currently just two points behind Aston Villa, who are in third place.
United spent more than a year trying to find a winning formula under Amorim, who was given every chance to succeed as manager. Now they’ve finally found it under Carrick, do they dare twist?
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