De Zerbi praises Tottenham’s response after Bentancur red card in draw with Manchester United

Roberto De Zerbi said Tottenham showed the character needed to secure a 1-1 draw with Manchester United after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off at Old Trafford.

The Premier League match was Tottenham’s sixth of the season, with the visitors playing the final stages with 10 men after Bentancur’s dismissal in the 78th minute.

Bentancur was shown a red card following a heavy challenge on Manchester United defender Luke Shaw. De Zerbi said he had offered support to the midfielder despite acknowledging that his reaction on the pitch had been unacceptable.

“I hugged Rodrigo Bentancur after he received the red card and kissed him, and I said thank you,” De Zerbi said at his news conference.

“It is clear that he made a mistake. This is not the right reaction in football, but Tottenham now need a reaction.”

De Zerbi said his side responded positively to the dismissal and produced one of their best performances of the campaign.

“After the red card, we showed the right reaction,” he added. “I think we played a great match and we are playing well, not only today but also in the previous matches.

“But today was the first time this season that we showed we are a compact team.”

The Italian manager said Tottenham could begin to win regularly if they maintain the same level of quality, energy and personality.

“With the right quality, personality and energy, I think we will win many matches and score many goals,” he said.

“Sometimes the reactions are not good or positive for the team, but I think at that moment, despite playing with 10 players, we performed with more courage and greater energy, and we managed to change the course of the match.”

How the match unfolded

Manchester United took the lead in the 73rd minute through Cameroon international Brian Mbeumo.

Tottenham equalised through Dominic Solanke in the second minute of added time, ensuring the visitors left Old Trafford with a point despite Bentancur’s red card.

Egypt international Omar Marmoush came on for Mohammed Kudus in the 66th minute.

The result moved Manchester United on to six points and left them 12th in the table. Tottenham’s total increased to three points, keeping them in 18th place.

Tottenham remain without a first victory after six league games. They have lost three matches and drawn three.