Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge left Roy Keane and Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones struggling to keep straight faces after they misheard some of his match analysis. While discussing Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens' role in Liverpool's equalising goal, Sturridge remarked that he 'shifts it', prompting the pair to hear a strikingly similar-sounding expletive, leaving them unable to suppress their grins.
A visibly exasperated Sturridge could only respond with "come on, guys" as he implored his Sky Sports colleagues to pull themselves together. Though perhaps not quite as flustered as Lammens himself, after gifting Liverpool a route back into the match.
There was little cause for laughter in Keane's verdict on the goal as Cody Gakpo drew the sides level while Liverpool mounted their comeback, before Kobbie Mainoo's winner settled matters. The former Manchester United skipper was, nevertheless, reluctant to be overly critical of Belgian shot-stopper Lammens.
"Honestly, just go long," Keane said when breaking down Lammens' pass. "What's the benefit of making that pass? It's too risky. What defines the players is their decision.
"The goalkeeper has been brilliant, let's not be too harsh on him, but when you're under pressure and see Liverpool pressing, just miss them out."
United's blunder came after they had raced into a commanding 2-0 lead during a dominant opening period. Matheus Cunha broke the deadlock, while Benjamin Sesko was awarded a goal in rather more contentious circumstances.
Dominik Szoboszlai struck back in the 47th minute, before Gakpo took advantage of Lammens' wayward pass. However, it was United who secured the final say courtesy of Mainoo's outstanding effort.
United manager Michael Carrick was delighted to witness his team's capacity to respond, as they confirmed their place in the Champions League. "We have scored a lot of goals. We have scored in pretty much every game," he said.
"The big fault of ours, if anything, is the out-of-possession work and being hard to play against. We tried to put our strengths into the game. We started the game brilliant.
"I am just as pleased at the way we finished the game, after two setbacks quickly, it could've knocked us but the character and belief the boys showed was really good. Mistakes happen."
Asked about his future, Carrick said: "I am happy with where we are at the moment and we still want to get better. Let's see what happens next.
"At this moment in time, it's not something I am thinking about."