🚨 De Zerbi Kisses Bentancur After Red Card as Tottenham Show Fighting Spirit at Old Trafford
Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has revealed that he kissed Rodrigo Bentancur in the dressing room following the midfielder’s controversial red card during Spurs’ 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Despite being sent off for a headbutt on Manchester United defender Luke Shaw, Bentancur received an unexpected show of support from his manager, who was impressed by Tottenham’s determination to fight until the final whistle.
Tottenham had controlled much of the match but struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. Their frustration increased in the 73rd minute when Bryan Mbeumo fired Manchester United into the lead.
Things became even more difficult for Spurs just five minutes later when Bentancur was shown a straight red card following a heated confrontation with Shaw.
With Tottenham down to 10 men and trailing on the scoreboard, the visitors faced a difficult challenge. However, they refused to surrender and continued pushing for an equaliser.
Their persistence eventually paid off in the 92nd minute when Dominic Solanke rose to head home Sandro Tonali’s cross, securing a valuable point for Tottenham.
🔥 Why De Zerbi Kissed Bentancur
Speaking after the match, De Zerbi explained that his gesture was not an endorsement of Bentancur’s actions but a way of appreciating the fighting spirit his team demonstrated.
The Italian manager acknowledged that the midfielder had made a mistake and that his reaction was not acceptable in football. Nevertheless, he believed the incident reflected the determination and aggression his struggling team needed to show.
De Zerbi was particularly encouraged by how his players responded after conceding and going down to 10 men.
He explained that Tottenham needed to demonstrate greater character, energy and unity rather than accepting defeat when things became difficult.
According to the manager, his players finally showed the togetherness he had been looking for since taking charge.
💪 De Zerbi Believes Tottenham Finally Played as a Team
The Spurs boss described the performance as a significant step forward, praising his players for supporting one another throughout the contest.
He felt Tottenham had demonstrated a stronger collective mentality, with the players working together defensively while continuing to search for opportunities to attack.
De Zerbi also stressed that technical quality alone would not be enough to deliver results. He believes passion, discipline, determination and teamwork are equally important if Tottenham are to turn their difficult season around.
Although Bentancur’s dismissal was a costly moment, the manager was encouraged by the response it provoked from the rest of the team.
⚽ Solanke’s Equaliser Gives Spurs Fresh Hope
Solanke’s late header proved crucial, preventing another disappointing result and giving Tottenham something positive to take away from Old Trafford.
The draw also lifted Spurs off the bottom of the Premier League table, although they remain without a league victory this season.
For De Zerbi, the result represents an opportunity to rebuild confidence and strengthen the bond between his players.
However, the Tottenham manager knows that one encouraging performance will not solve all the club’s problems. His team must maintain the same determination in their upcoming fixtures while improving their finishing and avoiding unnecessary disciplinary setbacks.
Bentancur’s red card may have put Tottenham in a difficult position, but their late equaliser demonstrated that the team still has the determination to fight back.
De Zerbi will now hope that the spirit shown at Old Trafford becomes the foundation for Tottenham’s recovery as they look to climb away from the relegation zone.
