Tottenham skipper Cristian Romero was accused of letting his team-mates down as his first-half red card helped condemn his side to defeat as Manchester United extended their winning run under Michael Carrick.
Bryan Mbeumo put United in front after 38 minutes at Old Trafford when he applied a brilliant finish to a superb corner routine involving Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.
Fernandes wrapped up the win 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 22 February.
BBC Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy said Romero had “let his team-mates down”.
The result means Tottenham 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 United consolidated their position in the top four.
