Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Sat 7 February 2026 19:30, UK

Thomas Frank saw Tottenham lose 2-0 to Manchester United after going a man down in the Premier League on Saturday.

Frank’s future at Spurs is currently uncertain, and the Danish manager would’ve been hoping for a win at Old Trafford to climb up the table.

However, at around the half-hour mark, the former Brentford boss saw Cristian Romero being sent off for his foul on Casemiro, with the North London outfit’s captain undoubtedly letting down his team.

The Argentina international has been vocal about the lack of investment at the Lilywhites in January, but his actions have only made things worse.

Thomas Frank given Tottenham nightmare by Cristian Romero in loss vs Manchester United

Romero is often seen as petulant by many due to his on-pitch attitude, which can be unsavoury for the opposition.

While the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful respect their captain, the centre-back often finds himself in muddy waters, as he did at Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old can have no complaints about being sent off in Manchester, but it affected the North London outfit as they conceded minutes after the red card, with his Sofascore rating not a good read.

Speaking on Sky Sports News on 7 February, Michael Dawson said, “It’s an absolute nightmare for Frank. This is a disaster for Frank. As a manager, you’re sitting in 14th and you’re going, ‘My captain has come out and said this’. Now he leaves his team down to 10 men.”

The former defender added, “I’m baffled. As a captain, you’re supposed to lead by example. You leave your team vulnerable, 10 men at Old Trafford. You’re losing your captain and one of your best players. He’s let his team down again today.”

Romero will now miss the North London derby against Arsenal, with his second straight red of the season carrying a four-match ban.

Frank is already dealing with plenty of fitness issues at the Lilywhites, and the defender’s unavailability only adds to the manager’s headaches.

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Spurs in for changes before Cristian Romero return

Frank is skating on thin ice at Tottenham, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him lose his job in the coming weeks.

Spurs face Newcastle United and Arsenal next in the Premier League, and the former Brentford boss could potentially be on his way out if his team fail to get enough points in the coming matches.

It’s now realistic to consider the North London outfit as contenders for relegation as they sit level on points with Leeds United.

Before Romero returns to action, he may have to play under a new manager, which feels inevitable looking at the Premier League table.