Cristian Romero was sent off in the 29th minute as Tottenham Hotspur fell to a 2–0 defeat at Manchester United on Saturday, extending the defender's troubled season. The straight red card, issued by referee Michael Oliver for a stamp on Casemiro's ankle, means Romero will serve a four-match ban, ruling him out until 15 March.
The ban is the fourth suspension of the season for Romero, who was also sent off in the 2–1 loss at Liverpool in December. His six red cards since joining Tottenham in August 2021 are the most of any Premier League player in that period. Off the pitch, Romero has courted controversy with social media posts criticising the club's squad depth and ownership.
Despite the latest setback, Spurs manager Thomas Frank confirmed he will not remove the captaincy from Romero. “No, I think it is fair to say he doesn’t have any intention to get a red card after 28 minutes,” Frank said. “He is one of the most important players. He apologised: that is enough for me for now.”
Romero will miss Premier League fixtures against Newcastle, Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace. His absence adds to Tottenham's injury concerns as they seek to climb the table.
Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick praised his side's fourth consecutive league win, the club's first such run since February 2024. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes sealed the victory. “The connection with everyone has been the most pleasing thing,” Carrick said. “Seeing the stadium in that way gives me a lot of satisfaction as much as the type of football.”
