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Four on a bounce Carrick pleased with ‘buy-in and connection’ after latest victory, Bruno hails United interim manager M ICHAEL CARRICK is not being fooled into think ing Manchester United have “cracked it” after his

Premier League game of 2026. “We haven’t won enough in the Premier League,” Frank said after overseeing a seventh successive top-flight match without a win. “We’re just coming on the back end of four good games, where we also showed a lot of resilience. “Before that, we also did it, but we didn’t get enough of the results where we turned around second half, so I think there’s still a lot to hang the hat on in terms of resilience. “But, of course, the performances need to be backed up by doing a little bit more and keep doing the right things because then the results will turn.” Meanwhile, United captain Bruno Fernandes hailed the impact Carrick has made in transforming the mood around Old Trafford with four con secutive wins since taking charge. “Carrick came in with the right ideas, giving the players the responsi bility and freedom on the pitch,” Fernandes told TNT Sports . “I was sure he would be a great manager and he is showing it. “We hope we can help him even more. “Everyone understands the pres sure of playing for this club, everyone knows the expectations around it. He knows what it means for this club to win. It adds something special to the team.” Victory takes United to within two points of third-placed Aston Villa and opens up a cushion on the chasing pack for a place in next season’s Champions League. A place in the top five is likely to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League due to the strong performance of English sides in European competition this term. United move five points clear ahead of sixth-placed Liverpool, who host title-chasing Manchester City overnight. – The Independent/AFP

dream start continued by beating a Tottenham side that captain Cristian Romero apologised to after his costly red card. A year that began with Ruben Amorim’s abrupt exit and some underwhelming results has been transformed by the appointment of the Red Devils’ former midfielder, captain and coach for the remainder of the campaign. Carrick followed up wins against Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham with a 2-0 triumph against his former club Spurs yesterday, when Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes wrapped up a deserved win against the 10-man visitors at Old Trafford. It was the first time in two years that United have won four Premier League games in a row and left them fourth on 44 points – two points more than they managed last season. “It’s difficult to comment in terms of what’s changed,” Ruben Amorim’s successor Carrick said. “I’m pleased with the buy-in, connection and eve ryone’s invested in it. I think that goes a long way. “At certain times cans see the game flow in different ways and you can look very different, good or bad. “But I think being in a real good emotional place helps you and, again, that proved to be the case. “It was different today. We had to manage the game, control the game, and show patience and good quality, but there’s different ways to do it. “The four games we’ve had have all slightly looked different, but we’re not getting carried away. I’m not sit ting here thinking ‘everything’s great, we’ve cracked it.’ There’s a lot of work to do so, and I’m fully aware of that.” Carrick was full of praise for star

FROM LEFT: Matheus Cunha, Kobbie Mainoo, Bryan Mbeumo and Diogo Dalot celebrate after Mbeumo scored the opening goal during their English Premier League match against Tottenham at Old Trafford yesterday. – REUTERSPIC

United skipper Fernandes on a day when Tottenham captain’s reckless ness damaged his side. Thomas Frank defended Romero as he stressed he “clearly tried to go for the ball” when he caught Casemiro on the ankle and received a 29th minute red card. “He was sorry for the incident,” the Spurs boss said. “He apologised to his teammates in the changing room.

“I think he’s one of the most important players. When he per forms at his top, he’s driving the team.” This was Romero’s sixth red card in all competitions since making his Tottenham debut in August 2021 – more than any other Premier League player has received during that period. That statistic surprised Frank, who

says he has no regrets about naming him captain and will not consider that position at the end of a week when he questioned Spurs’ “dis graceful” squad depth on social media. Romero will start a four-match ban as Spurs host Newcastle on Wednesday, when Destiny Udogie could also be absent for injury-hit Spurs as they seek to win a first

Suryakumar leads charge

Carrick makes Keane look silly - Story on page 28

Gunners move closer

to title - Story on page 29

- Story on page 30

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