<\/p>\n
Manchester United profited from Tottenham captain Cristian Romero’s red card to stretch their perfect start under Michael Carrick to four games with a 2-0 win at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes ended an eight-game winless run against Spurs for the Red Devils, who cemented their position in the Premier League’s top four.<\/p>\n
United close to within two points of third-placed Aston Villa and open up a five-point cushion over Liverpool in sixth.<\/p>\n
A place in the top five is likely to secure a place in next season’s Champions League due to the strong performance of English sides in European competition.<\/p>\n
Spurs’ hopes of qualifying for the Champions League through their league position have long since disappeared as another damaging defeat for Thomas Frank leaves Tottenham in 14th.<\/p>\n
But there could be lasting consequences for Romero after his ill-discipline cost his side just days after a social media outburst aimed at the club’s hierarchy.<\/p>\n
Frank said the Argentine international had been “dealt with internally” after he described Tottenham’s threadbare squad as “disgraceful” following the closure of the transfer window.<\/p>\n
Romero’s future as skipper had already been called into question and the 27-year-old will now be suspended for four matches after his second red card of the season and sixth of his Spurs career.<\/p>\n
The centre-back lunged in to catch Casemiro on the ankle on 29 minutes after playing himself into trouble just outside the Tottenham box.<\/p>\n
United had been the better side during the opening half hour even against 11 men and made their numerical advantage count.<\/p>\n
Mbeumo stroked into the bottom corner for his third goal in four games since Carrick took charge after a clever corner involving Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo freed the Cameroon international at the edge of the box.<\/p>\n
Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha had goals ruled out for offside as the home side dominated but had to wait until nine minutes from time to make the points safe.<\/p>\n
Fernandes showed Romero how to lead from the front with another fine individual display.<\/p>\n
The United captain prodded in Diogo Dalot’s cross at the back post for his 200th goal or assist in 314 games for the club.<\/p>\n
Carrick said before the game that United cannot afford to rush their choice of a new permanent manager.<\/p>\n
But the former midfielder, who enjoyed a stellar playing career at Old Trafford, is making his case for that job as he continues overseeing United’s stunning turnaround in fortunes since the departure of Ruben Amorim last month.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n