Manchester Evening News

Manchester City midfielder Rodri was charged for his post match comments after the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has avoided a ban but been fined £80,000 for his post-match comments after the draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

The Spaniard was initially charged by the Football Association with misconduct after his outburst following City's 2-2 draw with Spurs at the beginning of February. Pep Guardiola's side had taken a two-goal lead in North London before the hosts answered back to earn an unlikely draw with Dominic Solanke's goal causing a stir.

The England striker saw his goal stand after the Spurs forward appeared to kick through the leg of Marc Guehi. Speaking in the media post-match, Rodri accused referee Robert Jones of not being "neutral".

Today (March 9), an independent commission has sanctioned Rodri with the midfielder fined £80,000 but will not serve a suspension for his comments.

In their written reasons, it was confirmed that the commission were unanimous that the comments made by the Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder didn't meet the threshold in order for a playing sanction.

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Rodri was said to have co-operated with the FA throughout. He admitted the charge at the earliest opportunity and in full, as a result his fine was reduced from £120,000 to £80,000, and he has since apologised for the comments that he made, accepting that his outburst was inappropriate.

The midfielder also didn't repeat the comments in other post-match media interviews, and it was noted that he has no previous disciplinary issues, in relation to misconduct charges and comments to the media.

In a statement, the 29-year-old said: "I would like to apologise again for the comments I made during my post-match interview following the fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on 1 February 2026.

"I fully accept that my words, as expressed, were inappropriate and fell below the standard expected of me as a professional player.

"I wish to make clear that I did not intend to imply bias or question the integrity of the match officials. I have always had, and continue to have, great respect for referees and the difficult job they undertake in a fast-moving and highly pressured environment.

"My comments were made in a moment of frustration after a disappointing result. Upon reflection, I recognise that the words I used were poorly chosen and capable of being interpreted in a way that I did not intend."

As part of Rodri's evidence, he referenced Diogo Dalot's tackle on Jeremy Doku as one of the decisions that he felt had gone against City in the lead up to the showdown with Tottenham Hotspur.

Antoine Semenyo's disallowed goal for interfering with play during their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Newcastle United was also referenced. Meanwhile, as part of the defence, City highlighted cases with the FA against Frank Lampard, formerly of Everton in 2022, Marco Silva and Chris Wilder both in 2024, highlighting that financial sanctions rather than sporting have been issued.

Roberto De Zerbi has been linked with both the Manchester United and Tottenham jobs in the summer

Manchester United managerial target Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly 'keen' on the Old Trafford job in the summer, in what could be a blow to both Michael Carrick and Tottenham Hotspur.

United are searching for a manager ahead of the summer, with Carrick serving as interim boss until the end of the season, though he has been mentioned as a contender for the permanent position. Under his guidance, United have secured six victories, one draw and suffered one defeat in their previous eight Premier League fixtures.

That hasn't prevented the club from being associated with other prospective candidates. According to the Telegraph, former Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi is 'of interest' to United and features 'prominently' on the club's shortlist.

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The report adds that the Italian is 'keen' on the role. De Zerbi is currently without a club after departing Ligue 1 outfit Marseille back in February.

He has been linked with the Tottenham position, which is expected to become available in the summer. Spurs named Igor Tudor as manager on an interim basis following the dismissal of Thomas Frank.

Tottenham are battling against relegation to the Championship, but The Telegraph suggests that should they survive, then De Zerbi could be viewed as a long-term solution for the club.

Spurs are currently sat in 16th place in the Premier League table, one point above the bottom three. Given the club's current standing and the prospect of Champions League football returning to Old Trafford next season, United is likely to prove a more appealing destination for potential candidates in the summer.

Alongside De Zerbi, United have been associated with other prospective managers, including Oliver Glasner, Julian Nagelsmann and Carlo Ancelotti.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have been heavily linked with Mauricio Pochettino's return, with the Argentine declining to dismiss a potential summer switch following the World Cup.

Speaking during a radio interview in Spain, he said: "I'm always linked [to clubs], to Tottenham, just like at one time I was linked to Espanyol, or to other clubs. In the end, especially because of my past at those clubs, when things aren't going well, people tend to fall back on emotions and say, 'Well, with Mauricio we played good football', or whatever it may be.

"But no. We're focused on the World Cup, on the United States. My contract runs until after the World Cup, so after that we'll see what might happen. Open to everything, right?".

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Michael Carrick has thrived with Manchester United since stepping up as head coach on an interim basis in January, but the Reds could find it tricky to land him permanently come the end of the season

Tottenham Hotspur could challenge Manchester United for Michael Carrick's signature at the end of the season, it is claimed. The 44-year-old has impressed at Old Trafford since stepping in as a short-term successor to Ruben Amorim last month.

To date, Carrick is unbeaten at the helm of the United first-team, thanks to convincing wins over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Spurs, as well as a 1-1 draw with West Ham on Tuesday evening. As a result of his flying form, there is speculation that United could opt to offer the head coach a permanent role this summer.

However, they could face competition from Spurs for Carrick's signature, if recent reports are anything to go by. Thomas Frank was handed his walking papers from the club on Wednesday morning after a disastrous eight-month stint in north London.

After going eight Premier League matches without a win, leaving Tottenham languishing in 16th in the standings and facing a growing chance of relegation, the Spurs board decided on a change of direction.

While there was speculation that the club would appoint a permanent manager to take up tenure ahead of next weekend's North London Derby, it now appears that the once dominant force are following in the footsteps of United.

Reports suggest that former Juventus boss, Igor Tudor, will arrive in the capital to steer the ship until season's end on an interim basis, when Spurs will also consider their options going forward.

The Athletic also claim that the 47-year-old may not have the option to take up a permanent role this summer.

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Instead, TEAMtalk report that Spurs could eye up the prospect of securing Carrick's services this summer, with further suggestions that the club considered taking a gamble with the former Middlesbrough manager ahead of their appointment of Frank.

It comes as a number of experienced names have been linked with taking up a role at United this summer, from Oliver Glasner and Gareth Southgate to the likes of Luis Enrique and Andoni Iraola.

Carrick, meanwhile, has also emerged as a candidate to extend his own stay at Old Trafford, dependent on how he fares over the next 12 matches. However, the Reds have been dealt a couple of hammer blows in terms of managers ruling themselves out of the running as of late.

Thomas Tuchel has decided to stay with the England national team for another two years, while Carlo Ancelotti is set to sign a new four-year deal with Brazil.

Roberto De Zerbi has also found himself linked with Spurs after leaving his post with Marseille the same day Frank was sacked. There's no doubt that Carrick will not be focused on the outside noise, however, instead dedicating his full attention to securing the best-possible finish for United.

Up next for United is a trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium to take on Everton come Monday, February 23. Currently fourth in the Premier League standings and looking at a real possibility of securing Champions League football for 2026/27, Manchester United will look to hold their position while amping up the pressure on a top three of Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa.

Manchester United‑linked manager Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as a potential candidate for the vacant role at Tottenham Hotspur

Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly interested in taking the vacant managerial role at Tottenham rather than waiting for Manchester United, following claims the Italian coach is 'high' on the Reds' shortlist. Spurs parted company with Thomas Frank after just two wins in 17 Premier League matches, leaving the north London club precariously positioned only five points above West Ham and the drop zone.

De Zerbi, meanwhile, left Marseille by mutual consent this week, after two years in charge. His departure came in the wake of a 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint‑Germain and a Champions League exit following a 3-0 defeat to Club Brugge.

Speculation over a return to the Premier League has been fuelled by his impressive spell at Brighton between 2022 and 2024.

According to the i paper, the Italian views the job in north London as the 'next logical step' in his coaching career despite featuring 'high' on United's wishlist.

De Zerbi's attacking brand of football at Brighton won plenty of admirers, and his ability to stabilise fractured squads could make him an appealing fit for Spurs.

United on the hand, are set to look at managers in the summer with Michael Carrick only an interim coach despite his impressive start.

However, Spurs' intention to appoint a successor to Frank before the end of the season could scupper the Reds' plans.

De Zerbi is one of the managers thought to be under consideration at Old Trafford though they are unlikely to rush to replace Ruben Amorim after Carrick's brilliant start.

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The Reds have won their first four matches under the ex‑midfielder and extended their unbeaten start on Tuesday night thanks to Benjamin Sesko's late equaliser against West Ham.

The four wins and a draw have lifted them to fourth in the Premier League table, one point ahead of Chelsea in fifth.

United will look to return to winning ways at Everton next Monday (February 23, 8pm kick‑off).

Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 on Saturday afternoon to cement their place in the top four in the Premier League.

Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher explained he was told to make as many passes as he could before making his debut in the 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. Fletcher, who is the son of Darren and the twin brother of Jack, has been in and around the first team this season.

While his brother has made three appearances for the Reds this season, Fletcher has had to remain patient to get his own chance in the Premier League. With the game entering its final moments on Saturday, interim head coach Michael Carrick gave the youngster the opportunity for his first senior minutes as he replaced Kobbie Mainoo.

Reflecting on the experience at full time, Fletcher told MUTV: "It's a mad day. I'm absolutely buzzing. The best day of my life, it's a dream come true. I've just got to thank everyone for supporting me, throughout the way.

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"It's an honour to have one of those [academy] numbers. Not many people do it. I'm grateful it's happened. To get to go on the pitch and play at Old Trafford, it's a special feeling."

The debut came at the end of what was an exciting couple of days for the youngster as he discovered he would be part of the matchday squad. "I found out I was in the squad yesterday, after the session. I got told you will be with the first team, you'll be on the bench. I was buzzing with that," he explained.

"I was warming up in the last five minutes and five minutes got added on. I got the call and I was like: 'No way is this happening'.

"I was told to go and enjoy it and make as many passes as you can, get as many touches as you can, and that's what I did." Fletcher's big day rounded off a successful afternoon for United as they picked up their fourth victory in as many matches.

Just before the half hour mark, Spurs were reduced to ten men as Cristian Romero was sent off for a poor challenge on Casemiro. Less than ten minutes later, United made their man advantage count as a well-worked set-piece routine resulted in Bryan Mbeumo sweeping the ball home.

Manchester United secured their fourth consecutive Premier League win on Saturday as 10-man Tottenham were put to the sword at Old Trafford

Interim manager Michael Carrick secured a fourth consecutive Premier League victory since taking over at Manchester United when his team scored twice without reply against Tottenham Hotspur. The visitors were their own worst enemy at Old Trafford as captain Cristian Romero received a first-half red card but United couldn't relax until the final 10 minutes.

Bryan Mbeumo capitalised on the man advantage before half-time, slotting home United's opening goal shortly before the interval. The result wasn't secured until late on, though, with Bruno Fernandes grabbing the second when he turned home a Diogo Dalot cross.

Carrick's side now have an opportunity to extend their winning streak to five league matches when they face West Ham on Tuesday. The Hammers claimed a point at Old Trafford before Christmas but head into the midweek fixture sitting in the bottom three.

United supporters will have had much to celebrate over the weekend, with Champions League qualification a real possibility as they consolidated their position in the top four. Here are the latest lines after another welcome three points.

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Mainoo can do no wrong

When Ruben Amorim was in charge during the first half of the season, Kobbie Mainoo struggled to secure regular playing time at Manchester United. Amorim tended to deploy Bruno Fernandes deep alongside Casemiro in his preferred 3-4-3 set-up, leaving England international Mainoo used as a substitute if he was used at all.

Under Carrick's leadership, things have shifted, with Fernandes moving forward and Mainoo being included in the starting XI in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He has been a constant presence under the interim manager, starting all four games and playing impressing against Spurs before being substituted for Tyler Fletcher in the dying moments

He contributed an assist, setting up Mbeumo to slot past Guglielmo Vicario and give the hosts something to build on. After the match, former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves speculated on TNT Sports whether Mainoo might even have a chance to make it into England's World Cup squad.

Hargreaves described the current midfield balance as "perfect", positioning Mainoo as undroppable on current form. "Kobbie, for him not to play for a year and come and play like this is amazing. I think [he and Casemiro] complete each other," the pundit said.

Keane made to eat his words

Roy Keane's doubts about Jonny Evans joining Manchester United's first-team coaching staff have been brought back into focus. Evans was brought in to work alongside caretaker Darren Fletcher following Ruben Amorim's dismissal and has stayed on since Michael Carrick took over.

"It's not an issue with Jonny Evans, it's an issue with the club and the decision-making, who they're bringing in," Keane said following the appointment, highlighting the Northern Irishman's limited coaching credentials. Yet Carrick praised Evans for his contribution to United's opening goal on Saturday, suggesting he has a role to play despite that inexperience.

"Jonny [Evans] had his eye on set plays so it's great when things come off. Delighted with that," Carrick told TNT Sports during a half-time interview after United went ahead from a corner.

Dorgu, Mount, De Ligt - Man United injury latest and return dates after Spurs thrashing

Manchester United secured a comfortable 2-0 win over a 10-man Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's early kick-off as Michael Carrick made it four victories from four games

Manchester United secured a comfortable fourth consecutive win under Michael Carrick during Saturday's early kick-off at Old Trafford. The Reds ran out 2-0 winners over Thomas Frank's struggling Tottenham Hotspur after 90 minutes, their path to victory slightly eased as a result of Cristian Romero's red card in the 29th minute.

Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes ultimately sealed the deal for United, who climbed to fourth in the Premier League standings through the fruits of their labour. Carrick was not afforded the chance to field a full-strength squad against Spurs as a result of a number of respective injuries to key players.

Thankfully, no further injuries are thought to have occurred during Saturday's match, with Carrick making all five of his available substitutions through choice, rather than through need. Here, the MEN breaks down all of the latest injury news surrounding Manchester United, as well as player return dates...

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Patrick Dorgu

Patrick Dorgu sustained a thigh injury during United's 3-2 upset over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium at the end of January - a game in which he scored a vital goal. Speaking ahead of Saturday's match with Spurs, Carrick delivered an update on the 21-year-old, citing how he will be back "stronger than ever" when he is ready to return.

The interim head coach said: "We’re working through it. It’ll definitely be a number of weeks. It will be a considerable period of time.

"He’s not going to be back in the next two or three weeks. To be more exact is a little bit difficult, at this moment. It could possibly be [10 weeks], we’re working through it.

"Certainly, we’re looking forward to getting him back as quickly as we can and getting on the pitch long before the end of the season.”

Potential return date: Late February to March

Mason Mount

As a result of picking up a knock in training last week, Mason Mount missed out not only on United's 3-2 win over Fulham last weekend, but also Saturday's victory over Spurs. However, Carrick is confident that the attacking-midfielder will be back in the not too distant future.

He said: "Mason sooner. He’s not too far away. We’re hopeful it won’t be too long."

Potential return date: Tuesday, February 10 vs West Ham (A)

Matthijs De Ligt

Matthijs De Ligt has missed the last 13 matches as a result of a back problem, with Carrick confirming that this weekend's game with Tottenham came as a little too soon.

Speaking on Thursday, Carrick said of the centre-half: "Matta, he's working his way back, taking good steps and improving. It's a little bit too soon at the moment but, hopefully, it won't be too long.

Manchester United claimed a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur to boost their chances of qualifying for the Champions League

Manchester United claimed a fourth consecutive win thanks to their victory over Tottenham Hotspur. United ran out 2-0 winners against Spurs in the Saturday lunchtime clash in the Premier League.

Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring for United in the first half, with the goal coming just a few minutes after Cristian Romero was sent off for Tottenham for a tackle on Casemiro.

Bruno Fernandes doubled United’s lead in the second half to help the Reds secure the three points for the fourth game in a row, as interim head coach Michael Carrick maintains his 100 percent record since taking charge.

United remain in fourth place in the Premier League table but are now five points ahead of sixth-placed Liverpool, four ahead of Chelsea in fifth, and are now just two behind third-placed Aston Villa, who are yet to play this weekend.

Carrick and Co. will now have extra confidence they can finish in the top four in the Premier League this season, which would see them qualify for next season's Champions League.

Here, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at United’s upcoming fixture list compared to some of their Premier League rivals.

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Manchester United

West Ham (A) - Feb 10 (8.15pm) - Premier League

Everton (A) - Feb 23 (8pm) - Premier League

Crystal Palace (H) - Mar 1 (2pm) - Premier League

Newcastle (A) - Mar 4 (8.15pm) - Premier League

Aston Villa (H) - March 15 (2pm) - Premier League

Aston Villa

Bournemouth (A) - Feb 7 (3pm) - Premier League

Brighton (H) - Feb 11 (7.30pm) - Premier League

Newcastle (H) - Feb 14 (5.45pm) - FA Cup

Leeds (H) - Feb 21 (3pm) - Premier League

Wolves (A) - Feb 27 (8pm) - Premier League

Manchester City

Liverpool (A) - Feb 8 (4.30pm) - Premier League

Fulham (H) - Feb 11 (7.30pm) - Premier League

Salford (H) - Feb 14 (3pm) - FA Cup

Newcastle (H) - Feb 21 (12.30pm) - Premier League

Leeds United (A) - February 28 (5.30pm) - Premier League

Chelsea

Wolves (A) - Feb 7 (3pm) - Premier League

Leeds (H) - Feb 10 (7.30pm) - Premier League

Hull City (A) - Feb 13 (7.45pm) - FA Cup

Burnley (H) - Feb 21 (3pm) - Premier League

Arsenal (A) - March 1 (4.30pm) - Premier League

Liverpool

Man City (H) - Feb 8 (4.30pm) - Premier League

Sunderland (A) - Feb 11 (8.15pm) - Premier League

Brighton (H) - Feb 14 (8pm) - FA Cup

Nottingham Forest (A) - Feb 21 (3pm) - Premier League.

West Ham (H) - Feb 28 (3pm) - Premier League

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Cristian Romero was shown a red card for Tottenham Hotspur after a challenge on Manchester United midfielder Casemiro in the first half on Saturday

Manchester United have been given a verdict from commentator Ally McCoist and pundit Paul Merson after Cristian Romero's red card for Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The Spurs centre-back was sent off in the 29th minute for a dangerous challenge on Reds midfielder Casemiro.

Tottenham's captain will now serve a four-game ban after his second red card of the season. There was some concern for Casemiro after the challenge with Romero going in on the Brazilian's ankle.

But the 33-year-old was able to continue as he looks to end his final few months as a United player strongly. And numerous pundits have offered their verdicts on the sending off, with one of them being McCoist while commentating on the match at Old Trafford for TNT Sports.

He said: "He definitely catches studs on ankle. It does look really painful. I don’t think he needs to follow through, I think it’s ridiculous.

"There’s a way he can challenge for the ball and win the ball, it’s madness. He’s just letting his teammates down again, he doesn’t need to do that."

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Paul Merson added on Sky Sports: "I hope this doesn't get silly and Man Utd win four and five, and then the Tottenham fans are sitting in the pub after going 'if everybody was like Romero we'd be alright, if everybody got stuck in.

"He's the reason they'll probably get beat now. He's the reason. Unbelievable." The Premier League's official Match Centre account on X have since confirmed why Romero was sent off.

The post said: "The referee’s call of red card to Romero for serious foul play was checked and confirmed by VAR, with it deemed that the challenge was made with excessive force and endangered an opponent."

United took the lead moments later through Bryan Mbeumo. The Reds are chasing a fourth consecutive win in the Premier League - a feat they have not achieved since 2024 under Erik ten Hag.

And Michael Carrick's side have a winnable set of fixtures on paper over the next few weeks. United go to relegation strugglers West Ham on Tuesday before taking on mid-table Everton and out-of-form Crystal Palace.

There is already a clamour in some quarters for interim head coach Carrick to be given the United job on a permanent basis. However, the former Reds midfielder insists his impressive start as United boss has not changed his prospects of getting the job permanently.

"Nothing's changed, no," Carrick told a news conference ahead of Tottenham's visit to Old Trafford on Saturday.

"To be honest, it's not going to change what I do or how I feel about it. I think I'm fully aware of the role I'm doing here and the responsibility I've got.

"We want to be successful. I want the club to be successful beyond the end of the season: if that's me, if that's somebody else.

"At this stage, I can't control that, and we'll see what happens."