'Bordered on violent' - Ex-refs chief: Man United player should have got red card vs Tottenham

Luke Shaw was fortunate not to be sent off for his role in the mass confrontation in Manchester United versus Tottenham Hotspur.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the veteran defender was "really aggressive" when confronting Rodrigo Bentancur.

Scenes at Old Trafford on Saturday, 10 October, quickly turned ugly when Spurs' No.30 went flying, studs-up, into a challenge on Shaw.

The 31-year-old, who has a history of long-term injuries, didn't take too kindly to the reckless challenge on him, one which might have deserved a red card by itself.

Emotions sparked from there, with Bentancur headbutting Shaw after the Man United defender shoved him to the ground in an "aggressive" manner.

While Bentancur was given his marching orders, Shaw was only cautioned for his role in the scuffle, but it could have easily been more for the experienced figure.

Luke Shaw 'bordered on violent' vs Tottenham

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett believes that Shaw was just as deserving of a red card as his opponent for his role in proceedings.

"It was aggressive. I think he was fortunate. And when you're in those situations as the match official, you're trying desperately to resolve the issue very quickly," he said.

"I thought there could have been some louder blasts on the whistle. The whistle acts as a tool to prevent an escalation, but it had already taken place.

"The red card is, without question, the correct decision. When we look at the Luke Shaw incident and the yellow card given, I think he's almost closed off the opportunity for VAR to come in.

"He's made the decision. That was really aggressive; that almost bordered on violent."

Michael Carrick or Roberto De Zerbi - who is under more pressure?

Despite going down to 10 men, the Lilywhites managed to salvage a draw, with Dominic Solanke's equaliser stunning Old Trafford into silence.

It was an incredible ending to the game. And with Spurs claiming a point, it must be said that Michael Carrick is currently in more danger.

Football Insider understands that the Red Devils are already targeting Eddie Howe as a replacement, but a decision hasn't been made yet.

Spurs are still in the relegation zone, though. Roberto De Zerbi is not safe by any means, but the draw at Old Trafford will be a huge boost.