Manchester United extended their impressive winning streak under Michael Carrick with a commanding 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on February 7, 2026. The Red Devils, rejuvenated since Carrick’s appointment, capitalized on a turbulent afternoon for Spurs, who saw defender Cristian Romero sent off in the first half, further deepening their woes in a Premier League campaign already marred by poor form.
The match kicked off with a palpable sense of anticipation, as both clubs sought to make a statement in the race for the top four. United entered the fixture on the back of three consecutive wins, their confidence soaring after recent triumphs over Manchester City, Arsenal, and Fulham. Tottenham, in contrast, were desperate to halt a winless run that had stretched through the opening weeks of 2026—a period marked by mounting pressure on manager Thomas Frank and his squad.
The first major flashpoint arrived midway through the opening half. Cristian Romero, the experienced Tottenham center-back and captain, was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge, leaving Spurs with ten men and a mountain to climb. Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario later reflected on the incident, telling TNT Sports, "He is disappointed because he knows this red card could have been avoided so he apologised. He is our captain and today he made a mistake but we know the player he is and he is going to come back stronger and help us massively throughout the season."
With the visitors reeling, United seized control of the match. Their possession game was sharp, and their willingness to shoot from distance kept Vicario busy. The breakthrough came from a well-rehearsed corner routine: Bruno Fernandes played the ball into the box, finding young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who cleverly pulled it back to Bryan Mbeumo. The former Brentford man guided his finish past Vicario to send the Stretford End into raptures and give United a deserved lead.
Tottenham, now a man down, struggled to mount any real threat. United pressed relentlessly, mounting wave after wave of attack against a beleaguered Spurs defense. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Spurs showed flashes of resilience, with Vicario making several key saves to keep his side in contention. "It is so tough. Especially when you come to play in a stadium like this one. But I am proud of my team-mates because we showed a lot of resilience and hard work throughout the game. It is tough when you are one man less to try and overturn a result that is already 1-0," Vicario remarked after the match. "I am proud of my team-mates, so so proud, because they put all the character and effort in today and to do it 10 v 11 is a massive reward for what we want to show for our football club, for our fans and of course the result is another defeat which is tough to accept but today - we need to take the positive that can take us into Tuesday's game."
As the second half wore on, United’s dominance only grew. The home side registered a total of 23 shots, a statistic that spoke volumes about their attacking intent under Carrick. The decisive second goal arrived late in the game, effectively sealing the result. Diogo Dalot whipped in a precise cross from the right flank, and Bruno Fernandes—ever the talisman—nudged the ball home to end any lingering hopes of a Tottenham equaliser. The goal capped a performance that was both controlled and composed, a stark contrast to United’s earlier struggles this season.
The result sees Manchester United cement their position in the Premier League’s top four, just three points behind Manchester City in second place and nine adrift of league leaders Arsenal. With thirteen games remaining, Carrick’s men have put themselves in a strong position to challenge for higher honors, though they will need the teams above them to drop points if they are to climb further. Carrick’s impact has been immediate and profound, with United now boasting four consecutive wins and a renewed sense of belief.
For Tottenham, the defeat piles on the misery. The North London club remains winless in Premier League action in 2026 and sits firmly in the bottom half of the table. Their struggles have prompted tough questions about their direction under Thomas Frank, who has yet to find a winning formula. Tottenham’s current run stands at just two wins in their last sixteen league matches, a record that is, by any measure, far below the club’s expectations. Frank’s men are under real pressure, and as one observer noted, "The team who finished 17th last season could be 15th tomorrow."
Despite their domestic difficulties, Vicario pointed to the team’s strong Champions League campaign as a silver lining, saying, "Of course we have had a brilliant Champions League campaign so far and playing every three games I have already played 36 games and I am proud of myself for doing this but for the outfield players it is tough, so it depends how you see things in life." Still, with the Premier League table tightening and the threat of slipping further down the rankings looming, Tottenham will need to regroup quickly if they are to salvage their season.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, a packed Saturday schedule saw Bournemouth face Aston Villa, Arsenal host Sunderland, Burnley take on West Ham, Fulham meet Everton, and Wolves play Chelsea—all at 15:00. The evening’s late kick-off featured Newcastle welcoming Brentford, adding yet more intrigue to a league campaign full of twists and turns.
The final whistle at Old Trafford was met with a roar from the home crowd, who have witnessed a remarkable turnaround since Carrick took the reins. As the United faithful celebrated another victory, attention quickly turned to the remaining fixtures and the tantalizing prospect of a late-season charge up the table. For Tottenham, the search for answers continues, with the hope that better days lie ahead as they prepare for their next challenge.
With the Premier League season entering its decisive phase, Manchester United’s resurgence under Carrick has become one of the stories to watch, while Tottenham faces a critical period that will test the resolve of players, coaches, and fans alike. The drama, as ever, continues.