Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was criticised for letting his side down after his first-half red card played a key role in their defeat, as Manchester United continued their strong run of form under Michael Carrick.
United took the lead in the 38th minute at Old Trafford through Bryan Mbeumo, who finished off an excellent set-piece move involving Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. Fernandes later sealed the victory, converting Diogo Dalot’s inswinging cross late in the match.
However, the spotlight fell on Romero. Just days after publicly criticising Tottenham’s board, the Argentine defender was sent off by referee Michael Oliver for a dangerous challenge on Casemiro that caught him high on the ankle and left the midfielder in visible pain.
It marked Romero’s second red card of the season, earning him a four-match suspension — including the upcoming north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February. Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy said the defender had “let his team-mates down.”
The loss extends Tottenham’s winless Premier League streak to seven matches, with only four points gained in that run, leaving them down in 14th place and uncomfortably close to the relegation zone.
While not at their best, United at least avoided a repeat of their earlier setback against 10-man Everton in November, when David Moyes’ side pulled off a surprise win. The latest result prompted further chants of support for interim boss Carrick as United strengthened their grip on a top-four spot.
