Michael Carrick made it four wins from four as Manchester United landed a confident 2-0 victory over toothless Tottenham, with the visitors' misery compounded by Cristian Romero's second sending off of the season.
The Spurs captain had been defended by Thomas Frank in the week after an outburst on social media criticised the club's "disgraceful" lack of depth - Frank labelled the comments "passionate" and opted to field him as part of a revamped back four anyway, only for him to see red for a in the 29th minute.
Romero has now been sent off six times across all competitions since his Spurs debut in August 2021 - more than any other player in the competition in that period and faces a four-game suspension as a consequence.
The home side's opener arrived nine minutes later via a well-worked set-piece. Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo were both involved, allowing Bryan Mbeumo to tuck home his eighth goal of a fruitful campaign. United's coordination in attack was impressive despite the scarcity of more goals, needing a flurry of late chances to finally yield a game-sealing second thanks to Fernandes in the 81st minute.
The same cannot be said of Spurs. Under Frank, Tottenham are winless when trailing at the break and so it proved again, with Romero's dismissal raising more questions over the management of a squad decimated by injuries, but surely better than the 14th place they find themselves in. Even with a full complement of players in the first half they looked blunt.
Carrick's audition for the permanent role at Old Trafford continues to go from strength to strength, cementing their position inside the top four, while Frank's credit is surely waning. Spurs have slumped to their 10th defeat and are only nine points above the Premier League drop zone.
Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes to TNT Sports:
"It's incredible. We have had moments where we were not great but the crowd was still like this. The energy is different because we win, everything looks brighter."
On Carrick's impact: "Carrick came in with the right ideas, giving the players the responsibility and freedom on the pitch.
"It's very good. I was sure he would be a great manager and he is showing it. We hope we can help him even more.
"Everyone understands the pressure of playing for this club, everyone knows the expectations around it. He knows what it means for this club to win. It adds something special to the team."
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank:
"We started well, good away performance. Very even. Happy with that. The red card changed the momentum. Proud of the players for the 60 minutes, how they showed resilience and stayed in the game, kept fighting. We still created moments.
"It's very tough to go out and not get enough results, we haven't won enough. There is still a lot to hang a hat on. But form has to back that up, and we have to keep doing the right things. There is no other alternative than to keep going, which we will do.
"In the very tough times it's head down, stand up, work hard. There is no other way."
On Romero's red: "The red card is a red card. I've watched it back five times. Cuti tried to go for the ball. You play with passion and aggression and there's a fine line."
Asked if he regrets making him captain: "No. He's apologised to his team-mates in the changing room. He's one of our most important players. He doesn't have any intention to get a red card.
"He's apologised to the team and that's enough for me right now, there's nothing more to do."
Man Utd boss Michael Carrick:
"I'm encouraging confidence, not flicks and tricks, but playing with purpose.
"The connection with everyone has been as good as anything. The feeling, the emotion and connection with players, staff and fans - it feels good. We've had to win games in different ways. It gives me a lot of satisfaction to see the stadium this way, to look forward to the excitement.
"I'm pleased with the buy-in. We're in a good emotional place and that helps you. The four games we've had look different, we've not cracked it. I'm aware of that."
