Michael Carrick pleased with ‘buy-in and connection’ after latest victory | Meath Chronicle
Manchester United’s resurgence under Michael Carrick gathered pace with a composed 2-0 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford, but the interim boss insists nobody inside the dressing room is getting ahead of themselves.
After a rocky start to the year and turbulence following a managerial change, United have stitched together four straight Premier League victories — their first such run in two years — taking down Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and now Spurs. The latest result moves them up to fourth on 44 points, already surpassing last season’s total.
Carrick’s message: progress, not perfection
Carrick highlighted the squad’s “buy-in” and growing “connection” as the foundation of their form, stressing that emotional balance and collective commitment are as important as any tactical tweak. He pointed out that each of the four wins has taken a different shape — some more open, others requiring patience and control — and that adaptability has been key.
Still, he refused to frame the streak as a sign United have fully turned the corner. The focus, he suggested, is on sustaining standards rather than declaring the job done. The work continues, and complacency won’t be allowed to creep in.
Clinical United punish 10-man Spurs
The match hinged on a first-half flashpoint when Tottenham’s captain Cristian Romero was dismissed for a late challenge on Casemiro in the 29th minute. With the visitors reduced to 10, United tightened their grip on the contest and struck decisively, with Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes finding the net to secure a controlled, deserved victory.
Fernandes drew special praise for his leadership and influence, embodying the composure Carrick demanded once United were a man up. The team managed the tempo, picked their moments, and avoided getting dragged into a scrappy contest.
Romero’s regret and captaincy debate
Post-match, Tottenham’s head coach revealed Romero apologised to his teammates in the dressing room, insisting the defender had gone for the ball rather than the man. Even so, the dismissal — Romero’s sixth in all competitions since August 2021, the most by any Premier League player in that span — carries consequences.
He will begin a four-match suspension when Spurs host Newcastle on Tuesday. Despite the mounting red cards and a tough run of form, there is no suggestion his captaincy is under review. The coaching staff maintain Romero remains a vital leader when he is at his best.
Injuries, depth, and a search for a spark at Spurs
Tottenham’s injury list continues to bite, with Destiny Udogie also a doubt for the midweek fixture. The head coach recently lamented the club’s threadbare squad options, and that strain has shown during a barren stretch of seven league matches without a win to start 2026.
Even so, there were positives stressed behind the scenes: resilience in recent performances, phases of stubborn defending, and a belief that if they keep doing the right things, results will follow. Patience, they argue, is needed — but so is a sharper edge in key moments.
United’s platform to build on
For United, the narrative is shifting. Carrick’s emphasis on togetherness and clarity has steadied the side, and the variety in their recent wins suggests a team learning to solve different types of matches. Sitting fourth with momentum behind them, the mission now is consistency. Carrick’s stance is clear: enjoy the progress, keep the humility, and carry on refining the details that have put them back in the hunt.
