Mbeumo And Fernandes Lift Manchester United Over Ten-Man Spurs

Manchester United continued their impressive resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick with a commanding 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on February 7, 2026. The win, United’s fourth in a row under Carrick, not only tightened their grip on fourth place in the Premier League but also piled the pressure on Spurs and their coach Thomas Frank, whose side remain winless in league play this calendar year.

From the opening whistle, United looked sharp and purposeful, brimming with confidence after a string of recent victories against top opposition. Carrick’s decision to hand Bryan Mbeumo the central striker role paid immediate dividends, as the former Brentford star continued his fine form by scoring the all-important opener. Tottenham, meanwhile, never truly recovered from a first-half setback that left them a man down and chasing shadows for much of the contest.

The match’s defining moment arrived in the 29th minute. Spurs’ captain Cristian Romero, already under scrutiny for his outspoken criticism of the club’s transfer inactivity, lunged recklessly into a challenge on United midfielder Casemiro. The referee wasted no time in brandishing a straight red card, sending Romero off for the second time this season—his sixth dismissal since joining Tottenham in 2021, more than any other Premier League player in that span. The Argentine’s absence left Frank’s side exposed and forced to play over an hour with ten men.

United wasted little time capitalizing. Just nine minutes after Romero’s dismissal, a well-rehearsed corner routine saw Bruno Fernandes pick out Kobbie Mainoo, who deftly pulled the ball back for Mbeumo. The Cameroon international, left unmarked at the edge of the area, coolly guided his finish into the bottom corner to give the hosts the lead. The goal was Mbeumo’s second against Tottenham this season, a particularly stinging blow for Frank, who had sought to bring his former Brentford striker to Spurs last summer only to see him join the Red Devils instead.

With the numerical advantage, United asserted total control. Their attacking quartet—Mbeumo, Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and Matheus Cunha—buzzed with energy, weaving intricate passing sequences and peppering Spurs’ goal. According to match statistics, United racked up 23 shots, 10 of which were on target, while dominating possession with a 65% share. Tottenham, by contrast, managed just a single shot on target and failed to win a single corner all match.

Despite being a man down, Spurs showed flashes of resilience, particularly through the efforts of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. After the match, Vicario told TNT Sports, "It is so tough. Especially when you come to play in a stadium like this one. But I am proud of my team-mates because we showed a lot of resilience and hard work throughout the game. It is tough when you are one man less to try and overturn a result that is already 1-0. I am proud of my team-mates, so so proud, because they put all the character and effort in today and to do it 10 v 11 is a massive reward for what we want to show for our football club, for our fans and of course the result is another defeat which is tough to accept but today - we need to take the positive that can take us into Tuesday's game."

Romero’s red card, his second of the campaign, means he’ll now miss Spurs’ next four matches—a blow compounded by his recent public frustration with the club’s recruitment during an ongoing injury crisis. Vicario added, "He is disappointed because he knows this red card could have been avoided so he apologised. He is our captain and today he made a mistake but we know the player he is and he is going to come back stronger and help us massively throughout the season."

As the second half wore on, United’s confidence only grew. Their midfield, anchored by Casemiro and the ever-improving Mainoo, kept the ball moving and recycled possession with ease. Carrick’s tactical tweaks, particularly the use of Fernandes in a more advanced role, allowed the Portuguese playmaker to orchestrate attacks and link up with the front line.

The insurance goal finally arrived in the 81st minute. Diogo Dalot surged down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross that Fernandes nudged home from close range, extinguishing any lingering hopes Spurs had of salvaging a result. The Old Trafford faithful erupted in celebration as their team cemented a fourth consecutive league win and extended their unbeaten run to seven matches.

After the match, Fernandes credited Carrick’s influence, telling TNT, "The energy is different because we are winning games and when you win games, everything is brighter. (Interim coach) Michael (Carrick) came in with the right idea of giving the players more responsibility and freedom to make decisions on the pitch. I was always sure Michael could be a great manager and he is showing that."

The numbers don’t lie: United now sit on 44 points from 25 games, four ahead of Chelsea in fifth, and just three behind second-placed Manchester City. With 13 games remaining, Carrick’s side have put themselves in a strong position to challenge for an even higher finish, though Arsenal’s consistency at the top means the title remains a distant dream for now.

For Spurs, the story couldn’t be more different. The defeat leaves them stuck in 14th place with 29 points from 25 games, still searching for their first league win of 2026. The pressure is mounting on Frank, who has yet to find a winning formula since arriving from Brentford. Tottenham’s limp attacking display and lack of discipline will be major concerns as they look to arrest their slide and avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

United’s dominance was reflected not just in the scoreline but in every facet of the match. Their passing accuracy reached 90%, and their territorial control left Spurs chasing shadows. Senne Lammens, United’s goalkeeper, was rarely troubled, facing just one meaningful effort all afternoon. The likes of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez marshaled the back line with authority, while Casemiro’s leadership in midfield was evident once again.

Kobbie Mainoo’s performance deserves special mention. The academy graduate not only assisted the opening goal but also broke the lines with his athleticism and incisive passing. His continued development under Carrick has fans and pundits alike tipping him for a spot in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

For Tottenham, there are few positives to cling to. The absence of key players, Romero’s suspension, and a squad stretched thin by injuries and transfer woes have combined to create a perfect storm. Yet, as Vicario emphasized, the team’s character and work rate remain intact. Whether that will be enough to turn their fortunes around remains to be seen.

As the final whistle blew and Old Trafford erupted in celebration, the contrast between the two sides was stark. Manchester United, revitalized and hungry, march on under Carrick’s steady hand, while Tottenham are left to ponder what might have been—and what must change if they are to salvage their season.