The dawn of the so-called “Carrick Era” at Manchester United has already sent shockwaves through the Premier League, with its first apparent managerial fallout coming swiftly. United’s composed 2–0 victory over Tottenham not only strengthened their league position but also seemed to seal Thomas Frank’s fate, as the Spurs boss reportedly conceded after the match that the defeat had effectively ended his time at the club.
Although Bruno Fernandes put the result beyond doubt late on with an 81st-minute finish, the contest had been shaped long before by the devastating influence of Bryan Mbeumo. The United winger tormented Tottenham throughout the opening period, leaving Frank—who previously coached Mbeumo at Brentford—struggling to respond as his defensive plans unraveled. In a rare moment of blunt honesty after the final whistle, Frank admitted that the game had slipped away from him as early as the first half.
He pointed to Mbeumo’s 38th-minute goal, cleverly worked from a set piece, as the decisive moment. According to Frank, watching the winger dominate proceedings during the opening 45 minutes left him bewildered, with every tactical adjustment proving ineffective. He openly credited United’s success to Mbeumo’s brilliance, even suggesting that the winger’s performance had directly contributed to his own dismissal. Praising his former player, Frank described him as the most dangerous wide attacker in the league at present.
Under Michael Carrick’s guidance, Mbeumo has taken his game to a new level, emerging as one of United’s most reliable match-winners. Against Spurs—who were reduced to ten men following Cristian Romero’s red card—he combined sharp movement, creativity, and composure in the final third. His goal, created through slick interplay involving Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, was only part of the damage, as his constant probing forced Tottenham into repeated defensive mistakes. The strike capped a remarkable run that has seen Mbeumo score four times in four matches.
That form has propelled Manchester United to within three points of second-placed Manchester City, reinforcing their status as serious top-four contenders. For Tottenham, however, the picture is far bleaker. Slipping to 14th after a fourth straight defeat, they now face a daunting schedule, growing unrest among supporters, and the strong likelihood of a managerial reset.
As Carrick continues to build momentum with four consecutive wins, his early reign is already being defined by authority, clarity, and results—while for Frank, Old Trafford may be remembered as the place where his Tottenham chapter came to an abrupt end.
