Tottenham star is a complete liability as Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes fire Man Utd to another win

Tottenham had gone into the showdown on a high after producing a spirited fightback last weekend. Having trailed 2-0 to Manchester City, a brace from Dominic Solanke ensured they left that clash with a point to their name. A well-earnt one, too.

On Saturday, they found themselves playing against a United team very much on the up under Michael Carrick. Mbeumo and Fernandes' goals in either half were enough for the Red Devils to make it four league wins on the trot.

The game was a tight affair during the early stages.

United were better offensively, with Mbeumo blazing an early effort over the bar. Casemiro, who has been nothing short of sensational under Carrick since the 44-year-old replaced Ruben Amorim, tested Guglielmo Vicario with a powerful effort from distance.

Matheus Cunha saw his own ambitious effort sail narrowly wide as the fallen giants sought the opener. Bruno Fernandes, usually so deadly from close range, side-footed an effort just beyond the post as well.

Yet the game changed in the 29th minute when Romero produced a moment of madness.

The Argentina international, who had made headlines early this week for a public attack on the Tottenham hierarchy, was dismissed for a crunching tackle on Casemiro.

As soon as the Samba star went down, Romero knew his number was up. He offered an apology to Casemiro before trudging off the field, cutting a despondant figure as he made his way down the famous Old Trafford tunnel.

Romero is one of the few genuine leaders Tottenham have. He plays with total commitment, total application and total dedication. Had it not been for his impressive performances, and some big goals, Spurs' season would be looking even worse than it already is.

But this was his sixth red card for Tottenham, meaning he averages one dismissal every 25 games.

It was also his second red card of the campaign as well. Having already missed three matches through suspension, he'll now be banned for four more.

That also includes a crunch showdown with Arsenal. If Spurs lose heavily in that, given their issues this term, it's not unfeasible that Frank will be relieved of his duties.

Tottenham need all their best players available, especially the few that haven't been struck down by injury.

Yet Romero has now shot himself, and his side, firmly in the foot.

Meanwhile, United boss Carrick will likely be frustrated that his side didn't win by even more.

They were outstanding once again in front of their fans, with Mbeumo making it 10 goals for the club since his summer arrival from Brentford before Fernandes sealed the visitors' fate.

Had it not been for Vicario in the Tottenham goal, the winning margin would undoubtedly have been greater.

The Spurs star has his weaknesses, especially with his feet, but made a string of excellent saves throughout the contest to give his team a fighting chance.

United's victory means they remain well-placed to return to the Champions League. Given the turbulence of the Amorim era, that's quite an achievement.

But, for Tottenham, their suffering only goes on.