KNEEJERK or not, it must be getting tempting now.
Michael Carrick was supposed to be a stop-gap, a band-aid, a seat-warmer.
But after making it four wins out of four with this victory over his old side Spurs here, Sir Jim Ratclife and the other United powerbrokers must surely be considering the 44-year-old as a serious candidate for the gig full-time now.
Granted, Cristian Romero’s latest disciplinary horrorshow helped Carrick on his way.
The Argentine, who aimed yet another dig this week at Spurs’ board on social media, had his own disgraceful moment as he was given an early straight red for a foul on Casemiro.
United took full advantage with Bryan Mbeumo in the first half and Bruno Fernandes in the second delivering the latest three points.
Cris cross
Tottenham captain Cristian Romero sent off for horror tackle on Casemiro
TURBO
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Mbeumo’s strike must have been particularly painful for under-pressure Spurs chief Thomas Frank, who turned the Frenchman into a top player at Brentford.
But United were already brimming with confidence before Romero’s 29th-minute dismissal, buoyed by the recent wins and the shackles coming off after Ruben Amorim’s tactical strait-jacket.
Fernandes, floating here, there and everywhere, was on fire again, even trying a rabona cross at one point.
The recalled Kobbie Mainoo looked revitalised. Matheus Cunha and Amad Diallo seemed to be enjoying themselves almost as much as the fans in the stands.
Perhaps it is just that new-manager bounce, and United have been here before with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But no one can deny the lift Carrick – a legend here as a player – has provided, which surely strengthens the case to give him the job on a permanent basis.
Meanwhile, Frank must be ruing the day he named Cristian Romero captain.
The Argentine may have come up with some memorable goals this season, such as point-saving, last-gasp efforts at Newcastle and Burnley.
But his disciplinary record has become a liability again – after a mild curbing of his hothead ways under predecessor Ange Postecogloiu.
His red card here was his second of the season, after a brainless kickout on Ibrahima Konate against Liverpool in December.
The World Cup winner also has eight yellow cards to his name.
All told, his upcoming four-game suspension which he will earn for this latest infringement will be his FOURTH separate ban this term.
When you add in the headaches he has caused Frank with his social-media activity, it is hardly what you want from your skipper.
Spurs had actually started this game fairly well, shifting to a back four from the back three of recent weeks.
It was a good watch, if not jam-packed with chances, with the likes of Fernandes, Diallo and Cunha enjoying the freedom under Carrick to pop the ball about.
Spurs travelling fans were doing plenty of revelling too, mainly about their Europa League victory over United last season.
‘Champions of Europe’ rang out from the South-East corner minutes into the game, along with ‘Johnson again ole ole’ in reference to the now departed Brennan Johnson, who struck that winner in Bilbao.
They also powered out a rendition of ‘Romero’s right, the board is s****” twice – albeit before the Argentine’s sending-off.
The two teams traded half-chances – Conor Gallagher with a tame volley, Casemiro with a long-range blast and Cunha also threatening from range – before the first-half’s flash point.
Romero’s fellow World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez had lofted a ball up the pitch which Micky van de Ven headed clear, before Romero picked up possession.
He attempted to dribble his way out of trouble but then caught South American counterpart Casemiro badly on the ankle, leaving the Brazilian writhing in agony.
Ref Michael Oliver did not hesitate, instantly brandishing the red.
Romero took his time to come off and was eventually barracked by the home supporters as he trudged down the tunnel, no doubt reflecting on the latest event in a mad week.
Carrick’s side had already looked full of confidence from their restorative, winning run but the unexpected man advantage was another welcome boost.
Taking the lead seemed just a matter of time, and on 38 minutes, the United opener duly arrived.
Frank’s Spurs have been one of the best in the league for goals from corners this term but Carrick’s side played them at their own game here.
It was a corner routine that looked to be straight off the training ground as Fernandes fired the flag-kick low to Mainoo near the edge of the six-yard area and touchline.
Mainoo then cleverly flicked the ball around the corner to a lurking Mbeumo, who stroked home his tenth goal of the season.
United had two goals ruled out in the second half for offside before Fernandes finally killed off Spurs for good.
The Portuguese playmaker, once a target for Tottenham before his move to United six years ago, shinned home a Diogo Dalot cross with nine minutes to go – and he looked to mean it too.
Frank had to endure chants of ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ once again as the minutes ticked down.
Albeit at least this time those taunts came from the home fans rather than from those of Spurs.
Meanwhile, Carrick heard his name sung to the words of ‘He’s magic you know’ after conjuring up his latest win.
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