Dominic Solanke captain: Roberto De Zerbi says his decision at Manchester United was a public show of trust in the Tottenham striker after criticism of his form.
Solanke answered with the stoppage-time equaliser in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Spurs had fallen behind and lost Rodrigo Bentancur to a red card before the striker met Sandro Tonali’s cross to rescue a point.
Image credit: Dominic Solanke celebrates his late equaliser at Old Trafford. Photo: Tottenham Hotspur official website
Dominic Solanke captain decision showed confidence
In Tottenham’s account of De Zerbi’s explanation, the manager said: “After the last game, the criticism, I wanted to put him captain to show my confidence and the confidence of the team.”
De Zerbi said the other players were happy when he announced the choice. He described support for a player in a difficult situation as something the players, staff and manager should provide together.
That made the Dominic Solanke captain call a message about Solanke’s place within the group, rather than simply a matchday detail. The manager’s comments focused on confidence and the team’s response to criticism.
Solanke’s equaliser rewarded the backing
Tottenham’s report says Solanke won the physical contest in front of goal before glancing the ball home in the 92nd minute. The finish prevented a defeat and rewarded the Dominic Solanke captain choice after United had taken the lead through Bryan Mbeumo.
Read our report on Solanke’s late equaliser for ten-man Spurs for the match itself. De Zerbi’s later comments explain the support behind the Dominic Solanke captain choice.
“He deserved everything he did today,” De Zerbi said. He also described Solanke as a great player who had felt the criticism when Tottenham were not scoring or winning.
De Zerbi wants confidence and fitness to improve
“I think in this moment for us, we can’t find a striker better than Dominic Solanke,” the manager said. He added that the forward needed to improve his physical condition and confidence.
The Dominic Solanke captain decision therefore carried encouragement alongside a demand for progress. De Zerbi’s praise did not remove the work ahead, but it made clear that he wanted the striker to feel the team’s backing.
The late goal gave Spurs a point and gave the manager a visible response to the Dominic Solanke captain call. The next test is whether Solanke can build on it as Tottenham look for more consistent attacking performances.
