Roy Keane and other Sky Sports pundits were left stunned after Erik ten Hag dropped the F-bomb in his post-match interview following Manchester United's win over Liverpool.
United bounced back from two successive – and humiliating – defeats at the start of their Premier League campaign to beat their fiercest rivals 2-1 at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils had started the weekend bottom of the table, but Ten Hag’s side responded with a display of determination, aggression and skill.
READ MORE: Hugs and handshakes aplenty for Roy Keane as Manchester United beat Liverpool
Jadon Sancho showed remarkable composure when putting the hosts ahead and Marcus Rashford extended their advantage early in the second half, with United holding out for victory after Mohamed Salah reduced the deficit late on.
But for Ten Hag, it was the attitude of his players that made all the difference.
"I wanted a different approach, a different attitude and that is what they brought on the pitch," Ten Hag told Sky Sports. "That's what makes me satisfied.
"It's only the start and we have to remain humble. We can play much better if we have a little bit more composure, give an extra pass, and then we can be much more dangerous, but first we have to become a team.
"Then you will act, that is what we saw today in moments. But when you have to make the game, you have to be better on the ball."
United's performance at Brentford was greeted with a wave of justified criticism, with Ten Hag's tactics coming under fire. However, their display against Liverpool highlighted that attitude and application being right can make just as big a difference.
And Ten Hag pointed that out by waxing lyrical about his players while dropping the F-bomb to leave an on-looking Roy Keane stunned.
The Dutchman added: "We can talk about tactics, but it's all about attitude. Obviously we bring attitude onto the pitch, there was communication, fighting spirit and you can see what they can achieve because they can f****** play football."
READ NEXT:
Jurgen Klopp continues war of words with Stephen Kenny over Caoimhin Kelleher injury
Stephen Bradley refuses to accept that Shamrock Rovers are champions-elect
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods lead new PGA Tour ‘stadium series’ amid LIV Golf battle
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
