Roberto de Zerbi has defended the decision to send off Rodrigo Bentancur in Tottenham’s 1‑1 draw with Manchester United, saying the referee’s action was correct but that he appreciated the Argentine’s visible reaction. The Italian coach, who took charge of the club last season, said he wants the same level of emotional response from the entire squad in future matches.
The match at Old Trafford ended in a stalemate, with United taking the lead through a first‑half penalty and Tottenham equalising late in the second half. Bentancur was dismissed after a contentious challenge on United defender Luke Shaw, which the referee judged as a serious foul. De Zerbi praised the referee for making the right call, stating that the decision was in line with the rules and that the player’s reaction showed he understood the severity of the offence.
In his post‑match comments, the coach highlighted the importance of maintaining discipline while also expressing a desire for players to display passion and commitment on the pitch. “I liked that he reacted,” De Zerbi said, adding that he would like to see more of that attitude from the rest of the team. He implied that a balance between composure and intensity is essential for Tottenham’s progress in the Premier League.
The draw leaves Tottenham in mid‑table, while United remain in the top four, keeping their Champions League qualification hopes alive. With the season entering its second half, both clubs will look to build on their performances. De Zerbi’s comments suggest that Tottenham will be keen to tighten their defensive discipline while encouraging players to fight for every point. The upcoming fixtures will test whether the team can translate this newfound emphasis on reaction and resolve into consistent results.