Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi offered a surprising public endorsement of Rodrigo Bentancur following the midfielder’s red card during a 1-1 Premier League draw at Manchester United, revealing in post-match interviews that he kissed the player in the dressing room despite the dismissal, SO FOOT.com reported.
The fixture at Old Trafford on Saturday saw Tottenham locked in a tense battle during the sixth matchday of the domestic campaign. With the visitors trailing, the encounter shifted dramatically in the 78th minute when Bentancur, who had been on the pitch for only ten minutes as a substitute, received a straight red card for violent conduct following an ugly off-the-ball altercation with Manchester United defender Luke Shaw.
Old Trafford Clash and the 78th-Minute Red Card
The flashpoint arrived as Tottenham chased the game following a goal from Bryan Mbeumo that put Manchester United ahead. According to match reports, Bentancur had initially caught Shaw with a late, high-risk tackle near the sideline. Enraged by the challenge, Shaw shoved the Uruguayan midfielder heavily to the floor from behind. Bentancur rose quickly and confronted the United defender, delivering a head movement into Shaw’s face during the ensuing scuffle.
Refereeing decisions immediately sparked fierce debate among pundits and former professionals. Match analysis noted that while Bentancur walked for his retaliation, Shaw escaped with only a yellow card for his aggressive shove. Former England striker Alan Shearer questioned the consistency of the officiating in remarks carried by Dailysports, stating that Shaw’s actions warranted serious punishment. I do not say that Bentancur shouldn’t have been sent off, but how on earth does Shaw only get a yellow card?
Shearer said. Former Tottenham player Chris Waddle similarly argued on television that Shaw had crossed the line and deserved dismissal alongside his opponent, while United legend Gary Neville characterized the entire sequence as undisciplined and foolish.
De Zerbi Defends the Uruguayan Midfielder’s Fire
Despite the numerical disadvantage and the potential cost of the red card, De Zerbi adopted a defiant stance. Speaking to Sky Sports in coverage detailed by Goal.com, the Italian manager explained that the incident demonstrated a much-needed emotional pulse within a squad that had struggled for early-season form. I think this character, I like the situation with Rodrigo with the red card,
De Zerbi stated. We need this situation in this moment. Not to take a red card, but we didn’t accept defeat.
Foot Mercato corroborated the manager’s post-match comments, highlighting that De Zerbi admitted the behavior was technically wrong while praising the underlying competitive spirit. It is not the right way, it is not the correct approach,
De Zerbi acknowledged. I kissed Bentancur in the dressing room because we need this reaction, this type of reaction with character.
Football is about character.
Solanke Equalizer Secures a Point for the Spurs
The red card failed to kill Tottenham’s momentum. Instead, Manchester United lost their composure in a man-advantage, allowing the London visitors to control the closing stages. The pressure finally told in stoppage time when Dominic Solanke found the back of the net to level the score at 1-1.
Solanke pointed to the collective resolve shown after the sending-off as a turning point for the team. The character we showed after the red card was tremendous,
Solanke told broadcasters after the final whistle. The vital away point leaves Tottenham striving to climb the Premier League table after a difficult opening stretch under De Zerbi, while Manchester United sits twelfth in the standings with a single victory from their first six fixtures.
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