Brief
Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi lauds Bentancur’s red‑card heroics after 1‑1 draw with United
De Zerbi said Bentancur’s head‑butt sparked the spirit Tottenham need despite the loss of a point.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Tottenham Hotspur drew 1‑1 with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday, with Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur sent off for head‑butting Luke Shaw in a 78th‑minute melee, BBC reported.
United led 1‑0 after a first‑half goal, but Spurs equalised when Dominic Solanke headed home in the second minute of added time, securing a point despite playing with ten men.
Roberto de Zerbi praised Bentancur’s reaction, telling a post‑match press conference, “I kiss Rodrigo and say thanks… In that moment maybe with 10 players we played with more courage, more energy.” He added that Tottenham had lacked “blood” and “character” earlier in the season and that the incident, while a “mistake”, was the type of response the team needed to avoid defeat.
De Zerbi reiterated the sentiment in a later interview with Sky Sports, saying, “I liked the situation with the red card. We need this type of reaction, this character. Football is character.” He also highlighted the team’s overall performance, noting that Tottenham showed “the right spirit” and “played for the teammates” in the first half.
Spurs remain winless after six league games, sitting in the relegation zone with three points. It is only the fourth time the club have failed to win any of their opening six matches, matching seasons in 2008‑09, 1955‑56 and 1912‑13. Tottenham have scored three goals, more than only 19th‑placed Coventry, and have spent over £250 million on new signings this summer. The club will travel to Marbella for a warm‑weather training camp on Sunday in hopes of building cohesion before facing Coventry on 19 October and Chelsea the following Saturday.
Key facts
- Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for head‑butting Luke Shaw in the 78th minute. (bbc.co.uk)
- Dominic Solanke scored a 92nd‑minute equaliser for Tottenham. (bbc.co.uk)
- Tottenham remain winless after six Premier League games, sitting in the relegation zone with three points. (bbc.co.uk)
- Roberto de Zerbi praised Bentancur’s reaction, calling it the character the team needs. (bbc.co.uk)
- Tottenham will hold a warm‑weather training camp in Marbella before their next league matches. (bbc.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] bbc.co.uk — originally reported as “'I kissed Rodrigo' - Roberto de Zerbi praises Bentancur's red card against Manchester United”
