Top News

Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick has praised coach Jonny Evans for Bryan Mbeumo's goal against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The strike came shortly after Spurs defender Cristian Romero was shown a red card in the 29th minute for a reckless tackle on Casemiro.

United responded quickly with a goal from Mbeumo, following a well-executed corner routine by Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. It took some time for the Red Devils to wrap up the three points, but they did just that after a fine finish from Fernandes in the 81st minute secured a fourth-straight victory under their temporary head coach.

And speaking pitch-side before the second half, Carrick acknowledged United coach and ex-Reds defender Evans for his contributions during training.

• Man Utd finally end Tottenham hoodoo thanks to reckless Cristian Romero - 5 talking points

• Barcelona withdraw from European Super League leaving project in tatters and Real Madrid furious

He said: "Jonny [Evans] had his eye on set plays so it's great when things come off. Delighted with that."

FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE!Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

Carrick's remarks followed criticism of Evans from Roy Keane. The Irishman criticised United's decision to bring Evans onto the club's first-team coaching staff.

While recognising the Northern Irishman as a competent player, Keane described the appointment as "jobs for the boys" and indicative of poor decision-making at Old Trafford.

Speaking on Sky Sports in January ahead of the 2-0 victory in the Manchester Derby, he said: "Jonny Evans rocks up, they've signed him twice.

"It's not an issue with Jonny Evans, it's an issue with the club and the decision-making, who they're bringing in. Jonny Evans left Man United four or five weeks ago. He left as a summer player and started as a loans manager. He wasn't there 10 years doing it. A few months.

"My issue with Jonny is he's got no coaching. It's not as if he worked in the academy for a few years. He comes in with Darren Fletcher and he has very little experience but he's worked at academy level. Jonny gets a phone call saying: 'Do you want to come back?'

"And I bet Jonny's thinking, 'As a kit manager or working with the Under-12s?' No, no, you're working with the first team with Darren. 'Okay, great opportunity.'

"You have two games, doesn't go too well. That's probably the end of that. No, no. Another manager comes in, he wants you to stay on as well."

United are now just three points behind second-placed Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's men do not play until Sunday when they face Liverpool.