What we learned from Man United’s triumph over spiralling Spurs | OneFootball

Sir Matt Busby, Ole Gunar Solskjaer, and now Michael Carrick – the only three Manchester United managers to win their first four matches.

The Red Devils their resurgence under the interim coach, with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Spurs at Old Trafford, to make their presence felt in the top four of the Premier League.

While the headlines will focus on the momentum of United, and a run not seen since February 2024, the story of the game was written in a moment of madness from the Spurs captain.

Here are the four things we learned from Saturday’s game at Old Trafford.

Christian Romero a liability Spurs can no longer afford

Despite all his defensive qualities, Romero’s disciplinary record is becoming a terminal flaw for this Spurs side. The straight red he received in the 29th minute – a malicious, studs up challenge on Casemiro’s ankle – was his fourth in the Premier League, tying a club record.

This wasn’t just a tactical blow; it felt as if it was a betrayal on the squad that is already missing 12 first-team players due to injury. After a week where Romero took to social media to label the club’s recruitment “disgraceful,” his lack of discipline on the pitch ended up being the ultimate irony. Effectively ending Thomas Frank’s game plan before it had begun, Romero left his teammates to play over an hour with a man down.

The Carrick momentum is real

The “feel good factor” has definitely been restored at Old Trafford by Michael Carrick. This was United’s fourth straight league win, something that was last seen 2 years ago. With an xG of 1.79, United showed dominance, limiting Spurs to a solitary shot on target.

While Bryan Mbuemo continues his “giant killer” status, now scoring against Arsenal, City, Liverpool and Spurs this season, the afternoon belonged once more to Bruno Fernandes. By sealing the win in the 81st minute, the captain reached a landmark 200 goal involvements for the club. To put this into perspective: since his recruitment in January 2020, only Mohamed Salah has recorded more goal involvements in the Premier League. Reaching this milestone in 314 games- something better paced only by Wayne Rooney (295) in United’s Premier League history, proves that despite Carrick creating a new energy, the individual output of Fernandes remains the teams irreplaceable heartbeat.

The United midfield needs reinforcements

Despite the 2-0 scoreline, the opening 20 minutes offered a sobering look at United’s future needs. Before the red card, Tottenham’s midfield of Palhinha, Conor Gallagher and Pape Matar Sarr looked somewhat sharper than Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. Spurs were winning physical battles and making United look vulnerable in the centre of the park.

With Casemiro’s departure being inevitable this summer, this match highlighted that even performing at their best United require a massive recruitment drive. Beyond the clear need for full-back reinforcements, a high mobility defensive midfielder is a priority if this team wants to see real success. The win was comfortable, but it was enabled by a red card; against 11 men, United’s midfield engine might have been found out.

The Thomas Frank era falters again

Spurs are now winless in seven top-flight games and could finish the weekend as low as 16th. While Thomas Frank has had a nightmare with injuries, the “spirit” shown in last week’s draw with City was absent here after the red card.

Frank’s side are being dragged into a relegation scrap, that very little would have predicted back in August. With a daunting fixture against Newcastle on Tuesday, the pressure is mounting. Frank has been dealt a poor hand with 12 injuries and a captain who can’t stay on the pitch, but in the Premier League, sympathy doesn’t get you points. He needs a result, and he needs it fast, or the hierarchy will start looking for a different voice to lead the rebuild.