Three things we learned from Tottenham loss as defensive crisis deepens

Tottenham’s problems deepened at Old Trafford as a 2–0 defeat to Manchester United left Thomas Frank still searching for a first league win of 2026 and raised concerns that go beyond Cristian Romero’s latest red card.

Down to ten men before the half-hour mark, Spurs were second best for long spells as United capitalised clinically to continue Michael Carrick’s strong start as interim boss.

Cristian Romero had been the talking point even before kick-off. The Spurs captain faced intense scrutiny following his social media outburst earlier in the week, criticising the club’s lack of squad depth.

That spotlight only intensified when Romero was sent off just before the half-hour. His studs-up challenge on Casemiro, while debated by some, swung the momentum decisively in United’s favour.

Bryan Mbeumo struck soon after, and Tottenham never truly recovered.

Frank backed his captain by starting him, but once again Romero’s discipline proved costly. The Argentine has now received six red cards in his Tottenham career, and his second dismissal of the season means suspensions against Newcastle, Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace — a brutal blow given Spurs’ defensive shortage.

Frank may publicly support Romero, but privately the question is becoming unavoidable: is the captain’s edge now harming more than helping?

If Romero’s red card was the spark, Tottenham’s wider defensive crisis is the fuel.

With Destiny Udogie forced off injured early in the second half, Frank was left scrambling once more. Djed Spence failed to recover from a calf problem, Kevin Danso remains sidelined after a freak toe injury, and Ben Davies is facing a lengthy absence following ankle surgery.

Pedro Porro’s return for the north London derby is hoped for, not guaranteed.

Young Brazilian full-back Souza offered flashes of promise off the bench, but this is a heavy burden for an inexperienced option. Spurs now face Newcastle with a backline that will again need reshaping.

January hindsight is cruel. Tottenham chose not to bring in even short-term defensive cover, and that decision is now being tested weekly.

Romero’s comments struck a chord with supporters — and the reaction at Old Trafford made that clear.

Chants of “Romero is right, the board are sh**te” echoed from the away end in the opening stages, underlining a growing disconnect between fans and hierarchy. The frustration is not new, but it is becoming louder.

Supporters remain unhappy with Tottenham’s January window, which ended without a single senior signing despite mounting injuries. Frank has repeatedly stressed that the club would not make reactive decisions, instead placing faith in a summer rebuild.

That long-term strategy now feels like a gamble — and one that must pay off quickly if trust is to be restored.

Tottenham host Newcastle on Tuesday with limited defensive options and growing pressure. Frank must find solutions internally while trying to keep the dressing room united amid noise around Romero and the club’s direction. Summer plans may be clear — but the present is becoming harder to manage by the week.

Is Romero’s passion still worth the risk — or do Tottenham’s deeper problems lie far beyond their captain?