Manchester Evening News

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."

How United should line up

There is only really one selection debate here for me, and we'll come to that in a bit. Working from the back, it's a defence that picks itself at the moment. Maguire and Martinez have got an excellent partnership going and Dalot and Shaw are the first-choice full-backs.

It will be interesting to see if Casemiro can play both games this week, but he will definitely start this one, with Mainoo next to him to continue a midfield partnership that has offered a really encouraging balance.

Fernandes is the No.10 and I would stick with a front three of Amad, Mbeumo and Cunha. That is a little harsh on Sesko, but I would tell him he will be needed off the bench and he starts against West Ham.

Read the full view of our writers here

Carrick's academy ambition

If there was concern for the future of the Manchester United academy while Ruben Amorim was in charge at Old Trafford, the club's prestigious record of blooding young players is in safe hands while Michael Carrick is around. Amorim's relationship with the academy wasn't a particularly strong one and his absence from games and sidelining of Kobbie Mainoo invited mistrust.

In three weeks, Carrick has shown a very different approach. He has attended two Under-21 games and an FA Youth Cup tie, and Mainoo has played every minute of his three games in charge.

Mainoo's renaissance has been one of the stories of Carrick's return to the dugout. The jewel in the crown of the United academy, he is set to be offered a long-term contract that reflects his status as a key player in the first team and any concerns that he might have to leave have disappeared.

Read more here

Welcome along

It's matchday! United are the early kick off today and it's a chance to start the weekend with a bang as Michael Carrick aims to continue his perfect start to life as United boss.

Three wins from three games so far have propelled the Reds into the top four and they will aim to keep the momentum going against an injury-ravaged Spurs side who are in the bottom half. Thomas Frank's men did rally from two down to take a point at home to Manchester City last time out but United will be in confident mood given their recent run of results.

Carrick's side have scored eight times in his three games and Spurs' defence is far from watertight so there could be goals in this one.

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When Man United called I was desperate to leave Tottenham – the transfer was a no-brainer

Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League's early kick-off on Saturday

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick faces another of his previous clubs as he aims to continue his perfect record in charge. Tottenham will be keen to ruin the party for their ex-midfielder, who admitted he was "desperate" to leave them to head to Old Trafford as a player.

Carrick is off to a flyer in his second caretaker spell in the dugout. The former England international has secured three victories from three matches so far, having defeated Arsenal, Manchester City and Fulham.

This year will mark the 20th anniversary of Carrick's £18.6million switch to United. The West Ham academy product spent just two years with Spurs before Sir Alex Ferguson took interest and secured a deal for his services.

Carrick was apparently more than willing to play his role in making the transfer happen. In fact, he was so intent on leaving London that there shouldn't be any worries about split loyalties when Tottenham travel to Manchester for Saturday's early kick-off.

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In 2010, Carrick said: "I went to the World Cup with England and information was filtering through that clubs were in contact. Tottenham told me what was happening, but it seemed to drag on and on.

"I was desperate to come. It was a no-brainer for me as soon as I found out United were interested. The first time I spoke to the manager was on the phone when the move was all sorted.

"I've never been so nervous about getting a phone call in my life. I'd heard the rumours about him, and I was scared stiff. That phone call will stay with me for the rest of my life."

Carrick's eagerness to join United turned out to be justified. He became an immediate success at United and achieved a career-high 52 appearances whilst securing the Premier League title in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, before claiming both domestic and European honours in his second season under Ferguson.

He won five Premier League winners' medals during his United career, alongside a Champions League, FA Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and three League Cup victories. He ultimately retired at Old Trafford in 2018, having made a remarkable 464 appearances over 12 seasons with the club.

His impact has continued beyond his playing days. United have appeared a team reborn under his guidance, securing a Manchester derby triumph before claiming two thrilling 3-2 wins over Arsenal and Fulham.

Those latter two results were won through late strikes from Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, the type of dramatic finishes that were fairly typical during the Fergie years. It makes sense that the squad has rediscovered some of that never-say-die spirit under someone who witnessed Ferguson's brilliance first-hand.

United head into Saturday's fixture sitting fourth in the Premier League table, eager to solidify their position in the battle for Champions League qualification. Carrick will undoubtedly feel some empathy for Tottenham, who are struggling to escape 14th place in what has proved a challenging season for Thomas Frank.

Manchester United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford today hoping to continue their 100 per cent record under Michael Carrick.

Manchester United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford this afternoon as they look to continue their 100 per cent record under Michael Carrick. In his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Carrick confirmed Mason Mount was progressing well with his recovery from injury but this weekend may be too soon for his return.

Long-term absentee Matthijs de Ligt will miss out again. With the Dutchman absent, Carrick will more than likely stick with the centre-back partnership of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez that has worked so well recently. Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw can continue in the full back roles.

United will be opening contract talks with Kobbie Mainoo soon. Mainoo's future at Old Trafford was uncertain under Ruben Amorim but he is now an integral part of the United team once again.

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Casemiro will be alongside Mainoo in the centre. The Brazilian is showing the Reds how difficult he will be to replace when he makes his United exit in the summer. United lost an element of control after he was substituted on Sunday and while they managed to wrestle that back, it proved how pivotal Casemiro still is.

Bruno Fernandes is an automatic pick in the No.10 role and while Benjamin Sesko scored the winner on Sunday, Carrick may well stick with Bryan Mbeumo leading the line.

Matheus Cunha has been excellent in recent weeks and with Amad on the opposite flank United have an attack capable of causing any team problems. If Sesko does start on the bench then he deserves to be brought on at some point in the game as he looks to build on his goal last time out.

Manchester United are back in Premier League action against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday lunchtime

Manchester United youngsters Shea Lacey and Jack Moorhouse are hoping to earn opportunities under Michael Carrick in the final months of the Premier League season. Lacey made his first‑team debut against Aston Villa in December under former manager Ruben Amorim but is yet to feature for Carrick.

This season, the 18-year-old has been on the United bench for eight games, having made bright cameos against Villa, Burnley and Brighton in the FA Cup. Despite being shown a yellow card against Brighton, but was applauded off the pitch by fans.

Lacey, who is highly regarded within the club, is knocking the hardest to get a regular opportunity under Carrick, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. However, with the first‑team squad now in good shape fitness‑wise, it isn't a simple task to fit him in.

Lacey may still find himself on the bench in the coming weeks, but Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko already fill four players competing for just three attacking positions.

In midfield, however, an injury could open the door sooner for Moorhouse, who trained with the first team this week ahead of the Spurs match after returning from his loan at Leyton Orient on deadline day.

Since replacing caretaker Darren Fletcher, Carrick has shown a clear commitment to promoting youth and strengthening his connection with the club's academy.

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He has recalled youngsters such as Habeeb Ogunneye from loan and brought Joe Hugill back into first‑team training.

Carrick has also become a regular presence at youth matches, something Amorim was criticised for neglecting, sending a clear message to academy players that there is a genuine pathway to the senior squad.

"This club needs young players coming through and being the foundation, to understand what it means," Carrick perviously said.

"It's something we need to grasp and keep building on."

United, who have been quiet in the January transfer window, are aiming to secure a European place. The Reds remain unbeaten under Carrick, having won all three of their Premier League games against Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham.

De Ligt, Mount, Dorgu - Man United injury latest and possible return dates vs Tottenham

Michael Carrick's Manchester United will target fourth successive win when Tottenham head to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

Manchester United are expected be without at least three first-team players for Saturday lunchtime's Premier League showdown against Tottenham. Michael Carrick's side host Spurs at Old Trafford looking to make it four successive victories after beating Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham.

It's a run of form that has seen United move up to fourth place in the Premier League table, just five points behind third-placed Aston Villa and six adrift of City in second. But the Reds are aware that failure to beat Spurs could see them drop to as low as sixth position with Chelsea and arch rivals Liverpool close behind them.

With Tottenham winless in six top-flight matches, however, United are going to no doubt be confident of securing yet another important victory. This is despite the Reds still having some players not available.

Here, we take a closer look at the United treatment table;

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Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt has missed the last 12 matches due to a back problem. He is not expected to be available to face Tottenham, either, with Carrick confirming that it is "a little bit too soon at the moment."

A return for De Ligt is anticipated at some point in February.

"Matta [De Ligt], he's working his way back, taking good steps and improving," Carrick said on Thursday. "It's a little bit too soon at the moment but, hopefully, it won't be too long [before De Ligt is back]."

Potential return date: Late February 2026

Mason Mount

Mason Mount missed out against Fulham last time out, due to a knock that he suffered in training. The England international is a major doubt to face Tottenham.

"Probably, Mason [will be available] sooner [than De Ligt]," Carrick said on Thursday. "He's not too far away really. We're hopeful it won't be too long."

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

Patrick Dorgu

Patrick Dorgu had been in inspired form for United before injuring his hamstring injury against Arsenal - and now the Denmark international is facing at least another two months on the side-lines.

"Pat, unfortunately, he's going to be out for a period of time. We're still working through how long that's going to be," Carrick said last Friday. We'll have to see, it's disappointing, he's had such a big couple of weeks, Pat.

"We weren't sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or whether it was something a little bit more serious and, at the moment, it looks a little bit more on the serious note.

"So, it'll be a few weeks for that. How many weeks? We'll have to wait and see. So, that's disappointing for all of us really, and for Pat, he's in such a good place but, unfortunately, it is part of football and it's something we've got to work through and get him back as soon as we can."

Why is Carrick speaking today?

Those of you who follow our press conference blogs regularly may be wondering why Carrick will be speaking to the media today instead of tomorrow. This is because Friday marks the 67th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster and United will be paying their respects to those who died at Old Trafford tomorrow. Therefore, to avoid a clash with the service, Carrick will be speaking a day earlier.

When will we hear from Carrick?

The United interim head coach will be speaking to the media this afternoon at 2.30pm. An embargo will be set on those quotes until 3pm. Once that lifts, we shall be bringing you everything Carrick has had to say.

Hello!

Good morning and welcome along to the United pre-match press conference blog.

Carrick will be speaking to the media this afternoon to preview the clash with Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime. Spirits in the United camp will be high thanks to that late victory over Fulham on Sunday. The Reds have now won three on the bounce and are keeping pace with Chelsea and Liverpool, who are also challenging for the top four.

Spurs enjoyed an impressive comeback against City at the weekend but Thomas Frank remains a man under pressure and United will hope they can pile some more on him at Old Trafford.

Stay tuned for updates from Carrick's press conference...

Manchester City players spoke to each other in the dressing room at Tottenham after conceding twice in the second half.

Manchester City players focused on the positives in a dressing room inquest after throwing away a two-goal lead at Tottenham Hotspur. Pep Guardiola's side were two goals up at half-time in North London but only left with a point after collapsing in the second half.

Guardiola took issue with the awarding of the first goal after Dominic Solanke kicked Marc Guehi's foot onto the ball to send it into the net, while Erling Haaland was again not given anything when he was held in the box from a corner. However, City only had themselves to blame for losing control of a game that they knew they could and probably should have had won before the break.

"We dominated the game in the first half and it felt like a game of two halves really," said forward Antoine Semenyo. "They started to dominate and created a lot of chances. Personally, you never want to give up a two-goal lead.

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"For me personally, I am frustrated. I think the team are as well. I had a chance and obviously others had chances as well. It’s all part and parcel of the game. We just have to go again."

The result leaves City six points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after the Gunners picked up an impressive 4-0 win at Leeds. It puts the pressure back on the Blues for next weekend; Arsenal can extend their lead to nine points on Saturday by beating Sunderland at home, before City travel to Liverpool on the Sunday - a ground where they have not won in over 20 years in front of a crowd.

Despite that, the players at Tottenham - including Ruben Dias, who travelled down with the group despite not yet being free from injury - spoke at full-time of how much there is still to play for in the Premier League. While it doesn't seem like they can afford many more slips, there is still hope that they can catch Arsenal.

"We’ve just had a meeting in there and everyone is being positive," said Semenyo. "We’ve got 14 games to go so we just have to make sure in those 14 games that we change it around. Anything can happen. They can go and lose two games and we can win two games. Anything can happen. We just have to be as positive as we can be and see what happens."