Michael Carrick's sensational start to life as interim Manchester United manager continued as his Red Devils dispatched 10-man Tottenham - with fans calling for him to be given the job on a permanent basis.
The United legend could not have asked for more since replacing the hapless Ruben Amorim last month. The 44-year-old had overseen a 2-0 dismantling of local rivals Manchester City at home, a thrilling 3-2 victory away at Premier League leaders Arsenal and a last-gasp 3-2 win over Fulham at Old Trafford. And on Saturday he saw off Spurs thanks to a large assist from the visitors' hot-headed captain Cristian Romero.
United had looked the better side in the opening half hour, but it remained a tight contest until the Tottenham defender followed through in a challenge on Casemiro and caught the Brazilian midfielder painfully on the ankle. He was shown a straight red card for serious foul play, his second of the season earning him a four-game ban, in the 29th minute. And Carrick's side didn't wait long to take advantage.
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was sent off for this challenge on Manchester United midfielder Casemiro
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was sent off for this challenge on Manchester United midfielder Casemiro
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With the visitors down to 10 men, Spurs manager Thomas Frank responded by substituting Wilson Odobert, bringing on defender Radu Dragusin. But it did not help his side in the 38th minute, as United opened the scoring thanks to a smart set-piece which bore all the hallmarks of Carrick and his team's coaching.
Bruno Fernandes played a corner short to Kobbie Mainoo, who ran towards the United captain from the area of the front post and cut it back to Bryan Mbeumo on the edge of the box. The Cameroon ace dispatched an effort past Guglielmo Vicario in the opposition net to make it 1-0. Fans hailed the "beautiful set piece" - something which has become a trademark of Carrick's team.
The former Middlesbrough manager, speaking pitch-side before the second-half, credited United coach and former Reds centre-back Jonny Evans for his work on the training ground. He said: "Jonny [Evans] had his eye on set plays so it's great when things come off. Delighted with that."
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring Manchester United's opening goal against Tottenham
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring Manchester United's opening goal against Tottenham (Image: Getty Images)
United have never lost a Premier League game at Old Trafford when they have held the lead at half-time. And by that stage United fans had already seen enough to make the call concerning Carrick's future, with the Red Devils cementing their spot in fourth and qualifying for Champions League football next season looking more likely by the week.
One fan, writing on X, said: "The experienced and great coaches failed. Carrick is doing well and they are searching for another coach. Carrick must carry on." Another simply commented: "Just give Carrick the job already." A third said: "Give Carrick the job full time if we get third convincingly."
A fourth posted: "I've been keeping my opinion fairly quiet apart from some joking so far. I want Carrick to be the manager full time, along with the current coaching staff he has. No joke. They're doing a great job. No point in hiring anybody else IMO."
Cristian Romero did Tottenham no favours and gave Manchester United the advantage with his rash challenge on Casemiro
Cristian Romero did Tottenham no favours and gave Manchester United the advantage with his rash challenge on Casemiro
While a fifth said: "It took Man United 6 managers, 75 first team players, and a better shout from Ronaldo to restore to default settings. Sometimes what you’re looking for is within you. Carrick might not be a world class coach, but he’s absolutely doing a nice job… Carrington finest.."
After the interval, United continue to dominate, with things getting worse for Spurs, as defender Destiny Udogie went down injured and was replaced by Brazilian left-back Souza, making his Premier League debut. Amad had the ball in the back of the net in the 50th minute, when he converted a Luke Shaw ball in the six yard box, but the Ivorian winger was offside.
Matheus Cunha was the next man to have an effort ruled out by the officials, as he Fernandes was offside when he fed Amad to cross for the Brazilian forward in the 68th minute. And while United remained on top, the atmosphere became more nervous as the visitors managed to hang on in the game.
Bruno Fernandes scored a great second goal for Manchester United against Tottenham
Bruno Fernandes scored a great second goal for Manchester United against Tottenham (Image: Getty Images)
However, any tensions were eased when Fernandes capped off a fine performance with a goal. Diogo Dalot's curling ball looked bound for the head of Benjamin Sesko, but when the Slovenian striker couldn't reach it, the Portuguese maestro arriving at the back post turned it in, to all but secure the three points for the home side.
It was his 200th goal involvement for the club since making his Premier League debut in 2020 - only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah has more in that time.
Fernandes, and United, are in fine form - this is the first time they have won four games in a row in the Premier League since February 2024 and with 44 points, they have now already surpassed last season's miserable tally of 42.