Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was blamed for costing his team after he was sent off in the first half as Manchester United beat Spurs to extend their winning run under Michael Carrick.
United took the lead in the 38th minute at Old Trafford when Bryan Mbeumo finished off a clever corner move involving Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. Fernandes later sealed the win, tapping in a cross from Diogo Dalot.
The turning point was Romero’s red card. The Argentine defender, who had criticised Tottenham’s board earlier in the week, was sent off after a reckless tackle on Casemiro that caught him high on the ankle. Referee Michael Oliver had little choice but to show red, leaving Casemiro in clear pain.
It was Romero’s second red card of the season, meaning he will miss four matches, including the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February. Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy said Romero had “let his team-mates down”.
The defeat leaves Tottenham winless in seven Premier League games, picking up just four points in that run and sitting 14th, uncomfortably close to the relegation zone.
Manchester United were not at their best but avoided slipping up against 10 men, unlike their defeat to Everton earlier in the season. The win sparked more chants in support of interim boss Michael Carrick as United strengthened their place in the top four.
