Tottenham started strongly at Old Trafford and believed they deserved to be ahead before the break. United improved after half-time, however, and Bryan Mbeumo put the hosts in front as they looked to take control of the contest.
The game took another turn when Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for headbutting Luke Shaw. Tottenham faced the prospect of leaving empty-handed, but continued to compete and found a late equaliser through Solanke.
The striker admitted the result did not feel like a victory, given Tottenham’s performance before the interval, but believed the response after the red card demonstrated the team’s character.
“I wouldn’t say it feels like a win. In the first half, we played so well. Dominated the majority and should have been a couple of goals ahead,” Solanke told BBC Match of the Day.
“In the second half, we go and man down and still managed to get something from the game. It shows the mentality and the character of the team.”
Tottenham had struggled to respond positively when falling behind in previous matches, making the comeback particularly satisfying for the forward. He felt the players refused to give up even when the odds turned against them.
“We’ve been a goal down and not reacted in the right way, we wanted to put that right. Goal down, man down, it would have been easy for us to not go for the win.”
Solanke also admitted he could have added to his personal tally, having missed opportunities during the match before eventually finding the net late on.
“I probably should’ve had three goals today. I wanted to make sure I kept getting as many as I can. I put one away so I’m thankful for that,” he said.
The striker had not yet reviewed the incident that led to Bentancur’s dismissal, but believed the team’s reaction afterwards was an encouraging sign.
“It all happened so quickly so I haven’t seen it back yet. It shows the fight in the team. Everyone is so hungry to do the right thing and show the right passion.”
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi also praised his players for continuing to push after the sending-off, while acknowledging the challenge of their difficult league position.
Solanke accepted that improvements were still needed, but remained confident the side could turn its season around.
“We’ve got so much to work on. The mentality and character was great. We’re going to put things right eventually and we’ll be flying sooner rather than later.”