Brian Mbemo and Bruno Fernandes scored for United, while Tottenham captain Christian Romero was sent off for a wild challenge.

Manchester United benefited from Tottenham captain Christian Romero’s red card to extend their perfect start under Michael Carrick to four games, 2-0 win at Old Trafford In the Premier League.

Goals from Brian Mbemo and Bruno Fernandes ended the Red Devils’ eight-game winless run against Tottenham on Saturday and cemented their place in the Premier League’s top four.

United are within two points of third-placed Aston Villa and five points ahead of sixth-placed Liverpool.

Due to the English side’s strong performances in European competitions, finishing in the top five is likely to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

Spurs’ hopes of qualifying for the Champions League based on their league position have long been dashed, with another heavy defeat for Thomas Frank leaving Tottenham in 14th place.

But just days after social media erupted against the club’s top brass, Romero’s lack of discipline has come at a cost to his team that could have lasting consequences for Romero.

Frank says the Argentina international has been “dealt with internally” after he described Tottenham Hotspur’s tattered squad as “disgraceful” after the transfer window closed.

Romero’s future as captain is already in doubt, with the 27-year-old set to serve a four-match ban after picking up his second red card of the season and sixth of his Spurs career.

The centre-back burst onto Casemiro’s ankle in the 29th minute after getting into trouble outside the Tottenham penalty area.

United were the better side in the opening half-hour and their numerical advantage was important even against 11 men.

Mbeumo scored into the bottom corner for Michael Carrick’s third goal in four games in charge after clever corners from Fernandes and Kobe Mainu helped the Cameroon international clear on the edge of the area.

Goals from Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha were ruled out for offside as the home side dominated, but had to wait until nine minutes from the end to secure the points.

Fernandez showed Romero how to lead from the front with another great individual performance.

The Manchester United captain collected Diogo Dalot’s cross at the back post to score his 200th goal or assist in 314 games for the club.

Carrick said before the game that Manchester United cannot rush into choosing a new permanent coach.

But the former midfielder, who enjoyed a stellar career at Old Trafford, is proving himself worthy of the job as he continues to oversee United’s stunning transformation since last season. Ruben Amorim leaves last month.

Fernandez was full of praise for Carrick in a post-match interview with TNT Sports.

“The energy is different because we’re winning games and when you win games everything gets brighter,” Fernandez said.

“Michael came in with the right idea to give players more responsibility and freedom to make decisions on the field. I’ve always believed Michael could be a great coach and he’s proving it.”

Meanwhile, Frank and his Spurs side have now registered two wins in 16 Premier League games.

“I thought the first 30 minutes were good on the road,” Frank told TNT Sports after the game.

“I’m very proud of the players, their resilience, their spirit of staying in the game and still being a threat at times, trying to create something. Very proud of them.”

Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario told TNT Sports that Romero had apologized to his teammates for being sent off.

“Yes, of course, he was disappointed because he knew the card could have been avoided, so he apologized,” he said.

“He made mistakes but we know what kind of player he is and he will definitely come back stronger and he will help us tremendously.”