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Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi praised Rodrigo Bentancur after he was sent off in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United.

The Uruguay midfielder was shown a red card for headbutting Luke Shaw during a feisty 78th-minute melee when Spurs were trailing 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Tottenham managed to salvage a point as Dominic Solanke headed home in the second minute of added time.

Spurs remain winless in the Premier League this season after six games, but De Zerbi was thankful to Bentancur for providing a "spark" against United.

"I kiss Rodrigo and say thanks," De Zerbi said in his post-match press conference.

"In that moment maybe with 10 players we played with more courage, more energy.

"For a long time Tottenham played without this blood, this character."

The incident happened when Shaw, on the receiving end of a reckless challenge by Bentancur, raced towards the Spurs player and shoved him off the pitch.

Bentancur reacted by planting his head towards Shaw's face. The pair were separated by their team-mates before referee Stuart Attwell sent the substitute off.

De Zerbi said it was a "mistake" by Bentancur, but added it was the type of reaction Tottenham needed to finish the game.

"I kissed Bentancur in the dressing room because we need this type of reaction, this character. Football is character," he told Sky Sports.

"I liked the situation with the red card. We need at this moment the situation, not to bring a red card but we need to not accept the defeat."

Despite the late elation sparked by Solanke's 92nd-minute equaliser, Tottenham remain in the relegation zone with just three points from their opening six matches.

It is just the fourth time the club have failed to win each of their opening six games of a league season, after 2008-09, 1955-56 and 1912-13.

Spurs have often looked lively in attack this season, but they have lacked conviction in front of goal and only 19th-placed Coventry have scored fewer goals than Tottenham's three.

However, Tottenham fans can take belief from their overall performance at Old Trafford as they ran United ragged in the opening half with fluid, high-tempo football.

"Today has been the game where for the first time this season we showed we are a team," De Zerbi said.

"We played for the team-mates, we played together, we stayed inside of the game in every situation and we attacked as a team and defended as a team."

The Italian manager added on Sky Sports: "I'm very happy because I've seen the right spirit, the right character and I want to start from this character, this reaction, this behaviour."

Tottenham spent more than £250m on new talent over the summer - adding 10 players to their squad.

But their poor start has prompted the club to organise a warm-weather training camp in Spain, with the team expected to travel to Marbella on Sunday in the hope it will provide a chance for their new-look squad to bond.

"Now the target is to build the team," De Zerbi said.

"We are a great group of players but we are not a team yet and to be a team is to play for the team-mates, suffer together, attack together."

Spurs face newly-promoted Coventry on Monday, 19 October before making the short trip to Chelsea the following Saturday.

For the second time in successive home Premier League games, Manchester United failed to beat opponents reduced to 10 men.

For the third time in as many seasons, a United manager finds himself under severe pressure before the clocks have gone back.

Four weeks ago, Manchester City needed an incorrect video assistant referee (VAR) decision to take advantage of an ineffective United performance after Phil Foden had been shown a red card in the 23rd minute for kicking out at Bruno Fernandes.

On Saturday, the damage was self-inflicted as a Spurs side, who had given every indication of being unable to score before Rodrigo Bentancur's headfirst charge at Luke Shaw just five minutes after Bryan Mbeumo's opener, came up with an injury-time equaliser.

Centre-back Lisandro Martinez was outmuscled embarrassingly easily by Dominic Solanke, with goalkeeper Senne Lammens failing to read the striker's deft touch that crept in at the far corner.

The anguish on United faces told its own story.

"A worrying day for Michael Carrick," observed former United skipper Gary Neville on Sky Sports.

First, a couple of sorry statistics.

Manchester United have just six points from their opening six games of the Premier League season, their fewest at this stage of a league campaign since 1986-87, when they amassed four under Ron Atkinson.

They have failed to win five of their six Premier League games this season (D3 L2), already as many as in 17 league games under Michael Carrick last season (W12 D3 L2).

United have collected two points from their last two games, both of which were against teams who began the match at the bottom of the Premier League.

In points terms they are closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League spots.

Carrick's side are now winless in four league games and face an always tricky trip across the Pennines to face old rivals Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday, 18 October. Either side of that are daunting Champions League trips to Atletico Madrid and Como.

United officials have repeatedly offered their backing to Carrick in recent weeks.

However, no fan needs reminding that two seasons ago a run of two wins in nine games in all competitions put Erik ten Hag under severe pressure before the axe fell after a defeat at West Ham on 27 October.

Last season, a combination of a shocking EFL Cup exit at the hands of League Two Grimsby and an insipid 3-1 loss at Brentford on 27 September did so much to undermine confidence in Ruben Amorim before he was sacked on 5 January.

The start to this campaign is starting to look increasingly familiar.

"I'm not happy with the amount of points we've got so far, for sure, you know," said Carrick.

"I'm not hiding, there's no hiding from that. I think it could have been different for a couple of little things here or there, but the reality is the reality, we've got to accept it, you know. We need to put things in a direction, in a positive direction quite quickly, that's pretty plain."

The 'little things' Carrick talks about are the defending for Solanke's goal, the lack of pressure put on Everton's Ainsley Maitland-Niles when he smashed another injury-time equaliser at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on 6 September, and the preventable Martinez own goal that nearly gave Fulham victory at Craven Cottage just before the international break.

"We've got to be a little bit more streetwise in moments, a little bit more stubborn and a little bit stronger in seeing out certain things," he added.

"It doesn't change my belief or the confidence in the players, you know. We're a really good team and capable of being a really good team, but we've obviously got to start getting more points on the board, that's for sure."

The problem is with each disappointment, the belief of United being 'a really good team' starts to ebb away.

Yet again, a post-match focus centred on how much Carrick's team ran, even though running for the sake of it has proved to be of little benefit.

"The stats don't lie when every time the other team runs more than you," said Sky Sports pundit and former Spurs captain Jamie Redknapp.

"Tottenham ran 5km more than Man United. OK, they had 10 men but that is every game. If you outrun your opposing number, you will win games. I'm not saying they are not trying. It is that physical battle they are losing though."

While, ex-Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy, added on BBC Match of the Day: "There was a lethargy about Man Utd, this midfield can't control games. It is partly tactical and partly personnel.

"I don't understand it. We saw at the end of last season Man Utd were much more organised and much more difficult to play against.

"The space in midfield was incredible and if they were playing against a more competent side, they would have been beaten. Play like that against good teams and they will be cut wide open."

It feels as though some fans are losing faith already, judging by the way they reacted at moments during the game, aside from the boos that accompanied the end of each half.

Forward Matheus Cunha - one of a number of Carrick's squad who have failed to reproduce the form he showed in the second half of last season - gestured to the crowd during the opening period. It wasn't clear whether he was responding to a negative comment or urging more noise, but the Brazilian clearly wasn't happy.

Carrick's family are season ticket holders. He knows what it is like to watch United struggle at Old Trafford.

"Obviously, it hurts," he said. "It hurts a lot. It's not nice to go through. I care as much as anybody about this place. Sometimes you could say too much because then it overspills. But it's coming from a good place, really, and so I understand it."

It is in moments like this that Carrick, who presents such a calm front in public, must be churning inside.

He knows how the pressure can mount around Old Trafford and how fierce the debate around the club in the search for answers can be.

As he said, Carrick cares. And he is certain his players feel the same.

"I don't feel let down," he added. "You can make mistakes.

"We've all got standards; we've all got levels. The players hold their hands up at times when something goes against them.

"It's not like everyone walks off into the distance tonight like everything's fine and it's left on me. It's not that at all. The players care, for sure.

"I don't feel let down by them for making a mistake. We've just got to all help each other be better, and it's on me to help them and guide them through it."

'I care a lot about this club' - Carrick responds to boos Video, 00:00:51'I care a lot about this club' - Carrick responds to boos

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Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto de Zerbi says the decision to send off Rodrigo Bentancur was correct, but he liked that his player showed a "reaction" and wants to see more of that attitude from his squad, following their 1-1 draw at Manchester United in the Premier League.

MATCH REPORT: Premier League - Manchester United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Carrick says Man Utd have enough talent to recover. Video, 00:00:45Carrick says Man Utd have enough talent to recover

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Solanke scores in added time as 10-man Spurs draw with Man Utd. Video, 00:09:52Solanke scores in added time as 10-man Spurs draw with Man Utd

Carrick says Man Utd have enough talent to recover. Video, 00:00:45Carrick says Man Utd have enough talent to recover

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Manchester United XI:

Senne Lammens: Made a major early error that could have had disastrous consequences but the Belgian recovered to make the save from Dominic Solanke. Mis-control shortly afterwards showed more signs of nerves and pass straight out of play summed up United's first half hour. Might have done better for equaliser. 5

Leny Yoro (off 59, Dalot): Given a start after making France debut and excellent tackle to deny Jan Paul van Hecke a clear sight at goal. Decent effort. 7

Harry Maguire: Usual solid presence at the heart of the home defence but no chance to threaten at the other end and fact he did try a shot from 30 yards suggested lack . 7

Lisandro Martinez: Partnership with Maguire a plus point for Man Utd but was totally outmuscled by Solanke for Spurs' equaliser. 6

Luke Shaw: One of the home side's more consistent performers and got forward to force a corner early in the second period and made a vital intervention at the other end. Lucky to avoid red card for his reactionary shove on Rodrigo Bentancur? 6

Kobbie Mainoo: Caught in possession on too many occasions, even if the passes he was receiving inside his own half were ill-advised. Tried to get on the ball in deep lying midfield role. Excellent block to deny Savio. 7

Youri Tielemans (off 59, Baleba): Lucky to get away with being robbed by Savio deep in the United half due to debatable free-kick but calm in heading the ball back to Lammens to relieve pressure on home goal. 6

Amad Diallo (off 59, Zirkzee): Took a long time to get into the game on his first appearance of the season but eventually had home side's first shot. 6

Bruno Fernandes: Shadow of the player who deservedly won all the player of the year awards last season. Didn't shoot when had the chance suggests confidence levels have dipped. 5

Matheus Cunha: Reaction to negativity from the stands shows he cares but, like many, yet to reach last term's levels. Provided the pass for Mbuemo's goal. 6

Bryan Mbeumo: Didn't have enough support to be effective in the lead striking role but led one counter and turned smartly to score United's goal. 8.

Subs:

Diogo Dalot (on 59, Yoro): Nearly set up Bruno Fernandes with cross from the right. 5

Carlos Baleba (on 59, Tielemans): Introduction injected life into home fans and made plenty of tackles. 5

Joshua Zirkzee (on 59, Amad): Quickly into action to force a corner and let Tottenham know he was there. 6

Ayden Heaven (on 90, Shaw). 5

Marcus Rashford (on 90, Cunha). 5

Subs not used: Karl Darlow, Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Shea Lacey.

Tottenham XI:

Antonin Kinsky: Not much to do for half an hour. Eventually made comfortable save to deny Amad. Couldn't get to Mbeumo's shot. 6

Archie Gray: Decent effort but getting sucked into making a tackle he didn't need to on Cunha underlined his inexperience. 7

Jan Paul van Hecke: Probably expected to be under more pressure than he was. Header from Tottenham corner nearly caught Man Utd out. Didn't get tight enough to Mbeumo for United's goal. 6

Marcos Senesi (off 89, Mateus Fernandes): In control for most of the opening half and would have been unlucky to end up on losing side. 7

Destiny Udogie (off 74, Van de Ven): Had the better of his personal duel with Amad but eventually replaced as faded in second half. 6

Lucas Bergvall (off 65, Bentancur): Lot of energy in midfield and worked incredibly hard but end product was lacking. 6

Sandro Tonali: Given far too much room in the centre of the pitch, which allowed him to dominate. No surprise his cross led to Tottenham's equaliser. 7

Savio: Speed a huge threat to the home defence, one touch took him past Bruno Fernandes. Goalbound shot turned away by Mainoo. 8

Conor Gallagher (off 74, Maddison): Early booking for a foul on Harry Maguire but didn't dilute his combative nature and should have done better with a decent opening at the end of the first half. 6

Mohammed Kudus (off 65, Marmoush): Had his manager spinning round in anguish at failure to take first-half chance he drove wide. Struggling to be effective. Not a surprise when replaced. 6

Dominic Solanke: Named captain in a much-changed starting line-up. Wasted glorious chance to give visitors an early lead and fired over from a central position in second half. Eventually got his goal. 6

Subs:

Omar Marmoush (on 65, Kudus): Man City past didn't escape home fans attentions. 6

Rodrigo Bentancur (on 65, Bergvall): Idiotic reaction to Luke Shaw's shove and deserved to be sent off. 1 (for going on the pitch)

James Maddison (on 74, Gallagher): Always wants the ball. 6

Micky van de Ven (on 74, Udogie): Kept Tottenham solid despite having 10 men. 6

Matheus Fernandes (on 89, Senesi): 5

Subs not used: Martin Dubravka, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mathys Tel, Ben Davies.

Tottenham will fly to Spain for a training camp and team-bonding trip following Saturday's Premier League game at Manchester United.

Roberto de Zerbi's side are bottom of the table following a winless start to the season, with two draws from five games.

With nine days between the game at Old Trafford and Monday's home game against newly-promoted Coventry, De Zerbi hopes spending time in Marbella, southern Spain can help kick-start their campaign.

Temperatures are predicted to reach 25 degrees in Marbella, while rain is forecast in Enfield, where Tottenham's training base is located.

Such trips are unusual this early into the season, and certainly so soon after the international break, with English clubs usually searching warmer weather in winter.

Tottenham spent more than £250m on new talent over the summer - adding 10 players to their squad.

The busy fixture schedule and extended international break has meant that the new-look squad, with Savio, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mykhailo Mudryk and Omar Marmoush joining in the last week of the transfer window, has not had much opportunity to gel.

'Fernandes is trying for the perfect goal'

Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham

Chris Waddle

Former Tottenham winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's a lot better from Man United, a bit of tempo. Bruno Fernandes should shoot earlier, he doesn't need to score the perfect goal.

He did everything right but didn't need to try beat an extra man.

DISALLOWED GOAL

Man Utd 0-0 Tottenham

United have the ball in the net but NO GOAL.

The ball has clearly gone well past the byeline before Matheus Cunha cuts the ball back. Everyone stops, before realising play hasn't stopped and in the confusion Youri Tielemans scores.

And then the referee says nah it had gone out.

'Man United have a lot of work to do'

HT: Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham

Chris Waddle

Former Tottenham winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Tottenham have been the better team. Man United have lacked legs and energy, Michael Carrick needs to make changes.

But Man United have a lot of work to be done. There's no change of pace. It's very easy to play against so I can see why fans are frustrated.

'We lacked quality in the final third'

FT: Sunderland 0-2 Brighton

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris on today's defeat to Brighton: "A tight game, especially in the first half.

"Two well-organised teams, high press, counter-press, second balls. I think we created a few chances trying to exploit wide areas, balls in behind, but we lacked quality in the final third to seize our opportunities.

"Finally, in the second half, we made a mistake. We were aware of this strength. They were relentless because they scored.

"Then we had another game later because after the red card, we were in a situation totally different to beat the block with ten men. They were in their game plan at that moment and we lacked quality in the final third."

When asked about missing Brian Brobbey: "It helps when you've got a good player, strong, efficient in the box but I don't I don't think Wilson [Isidor] was weak at all. He tried, he worked, he ran in behind. So we have those situations without one, two or three players and we still have a good team."

'Everyone has to take responsibility'

FT: Chelsea 5-1 Bournemouth

Bournemouth

Bournemouth boss Marco Rose, speaking to BBC MOTD: "If you concede two times so early...it's too much against Chelsea. We didn't react in the right way. It was a really bad performance by us today. The last games we had some good performance but today we struggled.

"Three points after six games, we need a reaction. Everyone has to take the responsibility to do better. We knew it was going to be a demanding season. We have to stick together and face reality. The reality is we have three points after six games.

"Even after we scored I felt we maybe get back in the game but we were not clinical enough. It was a tough game but our performance was not good enough.

"We are still a good squad. We have good players. Some of them need to get into a rhythm [after injury]. It is important to suffer no more injuries. We need to win a game to get more confidence."

'Which corner are we celebrating in when you score?'

FT: Chelsea 5-1 Bournemouth

Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Jordan Henderson, speaking to BBC MOTD: "It's a good day, my home debut. It's nice to be at Stamford Bridge and play. We started both halves really well. I felt the concentration and focus for the majority of the game was very good. You always want to start fast. But you need to be consistent throughout the game. I felt we were more solid."

On his goal straight from a free-kick: "I've been working on it in training for the last week or two. Morgs [Morgan Rogers] wasn't too happy but then said 'go on then'. Cole [Palmer] said 'which corner are we celebrating in when you score?'. I'm thankful to Cole and Morgs for letting me take it. I've been pretty consistent with it in training."

After a three-week international break, Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action having won none of their opening five matches and sitting bottom of the table. BBC Sport looks back at their poor start to the season and asks if another relegation battle is looming?