“He’s Just Ridiculous” — Owen Hargreaves Names Manchester United’s True Match-Winner After Spurs Victory

Owen Hargreaves could barely hide his admiration for Bruno Fernandes after Manchester United continued their perfect start under Michael Carrick with a commanding 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

The former United midfielder described Fernandes as “ridiculous” and hailed him as the club’s “best player by a country mile” after another influential display that underlined why the Portuguese star remains central to United’s resurgence.

United’s winning run continues under Carrick

Manchester United made it four wins from four since Carrick took interim charge, extending an impressive run that already includes victories over Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham. Against Spurs, the Red Devils combined control, patience and ruthlessness to secure another important three points in the race for the top four.

Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring late in the first half before Fernandes sealed the result nine minutes from time, as United moved three points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea in the Premier League table.

The match turned on a key moment just before the half-hour mark when Tottenham defender Cristian Romero was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Casemiro. While the game had been evenly balanced up to that point, United made sure to take full advantage of their numerical superiority.

Mbeumo strikes after United pressure

United had created several good chances in the opening 30 minutes but lacked the final touch. That changed in the 38th minute when Mbeumo fired home a fine first-time finish past Guglielmo Vicario after sustained pressure from the hosts.

The goal reflected United’s growing confidence under Carrick, with sharper movement, quicker passing and a midfield that looked far more balanced than earlier in the season.

Hargreaves later praised Mbeumo’s calmness in front of goal, suggesting the forward has the mentality required to succeed at a top club.

Fernandes reaches remarkable milestone

Bruno Fernandes put the result beyond doubt late on, although his finish was far from conventional. Stretching to meet a loose ball, the United captain guided it into the net with what appeared to be the outside of his shin.

It was an improvised effort that summed up Fernandes’ instinct and quality, and it also took him to a significant personal landmark. The goal marked his 200th goal involvement for Manchester United in just 314 Premier League appearances, making him the second-fastest player to reach that figure since Wayne Rooney.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Hargreaves was full of praise.

“Let’s be honest, 200 goal involvements is ridiculous. They’re PlayStation numbers,” he said. “He plays with risk, but it’s risk that the team benefits from.”

Midfield trio earns special praise

Hargreaves also highlighted the impact of United’s midfield trio, singling out Fernandes, Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo as the standout performers.

“We said beforehand, under Ruben Amorim, that midfield was a weakness, but that midfield three is really good,” Hargreaves explained. “Obviously Bruno is the best player by a country mile, but the balance now looks so much stronger.”

Mainoo once again impressed with his composure and intelligence, while Casemiro controlled the game after Romero’s dismissal, using his experience to dictate the tempo and protect the defence.

According to Hargreaves, the red card was a turning point.

“Up until that point, in terms of possession and shots, it was 50-50,” he said. “That red card obviously changed the game. But Bruno and Casemiro decided to run the game and took over the match.”

A different side of United

One of the most encouraging aspects of the performance was the way United adapted their approach. Against City and Arsenal, Carrick’s side had relied heavily on counter-attacks and defensive discipline. Against Spurs, they showed control and patience with the ball.

“It was very different from how they played against Manchester City and Arsenal,” Hargreaves noted. “They defended really well again, but this time the midfield controlled the game and passed the ball beautifully.”

He added that Fernandes’ goal was a moment of pure quality.

“Technically, do you know how hard that is? Not many players in the world could score that goal and make it look comfortable,” he said.

Mbeumo compared to Mohamed Salah

Hargreaves also reserved special praise for Mbeumo, comparing the forward’s mentality to that of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.

“I like that he doesn’t overly celebrate when he scores,” Hargreaves said. “It looks like he believes he should do it all the time.”

He added that Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are at the perfect age, combining Premier League experience with hunger and consistency.

“Mbeumo has just got it. He’s a great finisher, he has a clear picture, and he doesn’t get too up or too down. That’s a brilliant attitude to have when you’re playing for a big club.”

Momentum building at Old Trafford

With four straight wins, a settled midfield and key players hitting top form, optimism is growing around Old Trafford. Fernandes continues to set the standard, and under Carrick, United look more organised, confident and dangerous.

If this momentum continues, United’s top-four push may soon turn into something even bigger.