Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero was dismissed in the first half as his side on Saturday fell to a 2-0 defeat at Manchester United, who extended their winning run to four English Premier League matches under Michael Carrick.
Bryan Mbeumo put United in front in the 38th minute at Old Trafford when he applied a brilliant finish to a superb corner routine involving Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
Fernandes wrapped up the victory late on as he turned home Diogo Dalot’s inswinging cross.
But the main focus was on Romero. So critical of Tottenham’s board in midweek, the Argentine gave referee Michael Oliver no option other than to brandish a red card with a tackle that caught Casemiro just above the ankle and left the Brazilian screaming in pain.
It was Romero’s second red card of the season, which means he will miss four games, including the north London derby against Arsenal on February 22.
The result means Spurs have now gone seven Premier League games without a win, a run that has yielded just four points and leaves them 14th and too close to the relegation places for comfort.
Although they were not at their best, United at least avoided the same embarrassment they suffered against an Everton side reduced to 10 men even earlier in the game in November, when David Moyes’ side claimed victory.
The result led to more chants backing interim manager Carrick as Manchester United cemented their fourth position in the table.
