Carrick’s Manchester United Cruise Past Ten-Man Tottenham At Old Trafford

Manchester United continued their remarkable resurgence under interim boss Michael Carrick, dispatching a 10-man Tottenham Hotspur side 2-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday, February 7, 2026. With this result, the Red Devils notched their fourth consecutive Premier League victory, sending a clear message to their rivals that Carrick’s United are a force to be reckoned with once again.

Before a packed house at Old Trafford, the lunchtime kickoff had all the makings of a classic. Carrick, who took the reins just last month, was eager to maintain his perfect record after guiding United to wins over Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham. The stakes were high for Tottenham as well, with Thomas Frank’s side struggling through a seven-game winless run and hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. The tension was palpable, and both sets of fans knew the match could be a season-defining moment.

Team news saw United remain largely unchanged, with Mason Mount returning to the squad after a minor training knock, while Patrick Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt remained sidelined. Tottenham, meanwhile, welcomed back Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke, but were still without key players like Mohammed Kudus, Ben Davies, James Maddison, and Rodrigo Bentancur. The confirmed starting lineups featured Senne Lammens in goal for United, with Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw forming the back line. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo anchored midfield, supporting an attacking quartet of Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. For Spurs, Guglielmo Vicario started in goal, with Archie Gray, Cristian Romero, Van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie at the back. Joao Palhinha, Conor Gallagher, and Pape Matar Sarr filled the midfield, while Wilson Odobert, Solanke, and Xavi Simons led the line.

The opening half hour was fiercely contested, with both teams probing for an early advantage. But the match’s complexion changed dramatically in the 32nd minute. Spurs captain Cristian Romero lunged into a challenge on Casemiro, winning the ball but following through with studs up, catching the United midfielder on the ankle. Referee Michael Oliver was perfectly placed and, after a moment’s deliberation, produced a straight red card for Romero. Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann later told BBC Sport, “Cristian Romero makes a forceful challenge on Casemiro which is, in law, undoubtedly a serious foul play tackle. It was a really excellent decision from referee Michael Oliver, who was brilliantly positioned.”

Romero’s dismissal forced Thomas Frank to reshuffle his side, sacrificing Wilson Odobert for defender Radu Dragusin. Spurs fans, already frustrated by their captain’s outspoken criticism of the club’s board earlier in the week, watched in disbelief as their side faced the daunting task of playing nearly an hour with ten men. Frank later acknowledged, “The red card is a red card. I’ve watched it back now five times. Cuti clearly tried to go for the ball, I thought [Casemiro] just moved before and then it’s a red card.”

United wasted little time capitalizing on their numerical advantage. In the 38th minute, a slick corner routine saw Bruno Fernandes deliver a low ball to the edge of the six-yard box. Kobbie Mainoo set it back, and Bryan Mbeumo coolly swept home his third goal in four matches, sending the Old Trafford faithful into raptures. Mbeumo’s verve and intelligence have become hallmarks of Carrick’s United, and his partnership with Fernandes and Cunha continues to blossom. As one observer noted, “So much of the feel-good factor around Carrick’s Red Devils has been made possible by Mbeumo’s performances.”

The second half began with United firmly in control, but the hosts were made to work for their second goal. Amad Diallo had an early effort ruled out for offside, and substitute Benjamin Sesko, who replaced Cunha in the 75th minute, missed a gilt-edged chance in stoppage time. Yet United’s patience paid off. In the 81st minute, Fernandes—who has thrived in his freer role under Carrick—rounded off a flowing move to double United’s lead and seal the three points. Fernandes’ quality on the ball was evident throughout, and his late goal was just reward for a tireless display.

Statistically, United dominated the contest. They registered 23 shots to Tottenham’s five, with nine on target compared to just one for the visitors. United enjoyed 64% possession, completed 561 passes, and won seven corners. Spurs, by contrast, failed to win a single corner and managed just 36% possession. The numbers told the story of a match in which United’s control and composure never wavered, even as Tottenham showed resilience in the face of adversity.

After the final whistle, Carrick was quick to praise young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, whose resurgence has been one of the bright spots of United’s campaign. “There’s no doubt Kobbie’s ability and what he can bring. He’s still so young, and let’s be careful about putting so much riding on his shoulders and expecting so much of him,” Carrick told reporters. “He’s come right in and found his rhythm of football, which is not easy after a period of time out. He’s got so much experience under his belt of big occasions and big game situations. That’s going to help him learning the game.”

For Tottenham, the defeat leaves them level on points with Leeds United, who won a crucial relegation battle the previous night. Frank, however, remained supportive of his embattled captain. “You play with passion and you play with aggression and there’s a fine line. No, there’s not [any consideration of stripping Romero of the captaincy]. He’s apologised to his teammates in the changing room. I think he’s one of the most important players and when he performs top, he’s driving the team.”

As the dust settled at Old Trafford, United’s fans could be forgiven for dreaming of bigger things. Carrick’s perfect start has propelled the Red Devils to within three points of Manchester City in second place, and with a trip to West Ham looming, momentum is firmly on their side. Tottenham, meanwhile, face Newcastle next and must regroup quickly if they are to avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation mire. The Premier League drama rolls on, but for now, Manchester is red—and Carrick’s United are flying high.