02/07/26 10:15:00
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02/07 10:14 CST Man United wins again to make it four in a row for new coach
Michael Carrick
Man United wins again to make it four in a row for new coach Michael Carrick
By JAMES ROBSON
AP Soccer Writer
MANCHESTER, England (AP) --- It's four Premier League wins in a row for
Manchester United under Michael Carrick and a season that was unraveling just
weeks ago now looks full of promise.
A 2-0 victory against Tottenham on Saturday extended Carrick's 100% start as
head coach and will further strengthen his case to be given the job on a
long-term basis.
"Michael has won everything here and he knows what it means for these fans,
what it means for the club to win and how much is needed to win at this
football club. I think that adds something special to the team," United captain
Bruno Fernandes told TNT Sports.
It is the first time in two years that United has won four straight Premier
League games, and it boosted hopes of a return to the lucrative Champions
League after missing out for the last two years.
Bryan Mbeumo and Fernandes scored in each half at Old Trafford in a game that
saw Spurs reduced to 10 men after captain Cristian Romero was sent off in the
29th minute.
Carrick has transformed United's fortunes since he was parachuted in to replace
the fired Ruben Amorim last month. Initially given a contract until the end of
the season --- having previously had a three-game interim spell in 2021 --- his
impressive impact will likely put him in serious contention to keep the job as
the club's hierarchy consider its long-term plans.
"I think Michael came in with the right ideas of giving the players the
responsibility," said Fernandes. "He's very good with the words.
"I think he still remembers what I told him the last time he was our manager
for our last game. I was sure that Michael could be a great manager, and he's
just showing it."
United is fourth and after moving up to 44 points, the 20-time English champion
has already exceeded last season's total of 42 points for the entire campaign.
It has been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions, but Champions
League qualification would represent a successful season.
A tale of two captains
Fernandes' goal, with a controlled finish off his shin in the 81st, was his
200th goal involvement since joining United in 2020.
"He's offered the club so much for the time he's been here, since he walked
in," said Carrick. "He's a team player. He gives so much to the group. He's got
big moments in him. We know the quality he has and he cares a lot about the
team. I think that's clear to see."
Fernandes' strike sealed victory after Mbeumo had given United the lead in the
38th when firing low from a corner to score his 10th goal of his debut season
at the club.
While United's captain was inspirational, Tottenham's Romero did his team no
favors with his sending off in the first half.
Having described as "disgraceful" the fact that Spurs were reduced to 11 fit
players for the draw with Manchester City last weekend, Romero hardly helped
his team's cause with his red card for a dangerous tackle on Casemiro.
The league's stats partner Opta said it was Romero's sixth sending off since
joining the club in 2021 --- more than any other Premier League player in that
time.
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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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