BT SPORT reminded Rio Ferdinand not to use such choice language when hailing Manchester United winger Daniel James on Saturday.
The Red Devils goalscorer strongly impressed Ferdinand during the draw with Southampton, in particular as he “works his nuts off”.
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Such a description was deemed unsuitable for lunchtime viewing however, and presenter Jake Humphreys delivered a tongue-in-cheek telling off to the ex-defender.
After James hit United’s goal in the 1-1 encounter, Ferdinand lauded his efforts: “This kid today, he was the shining light in this team.
“He was the guy they went to for any kind of inspiration or any type of threat on goal, came through this guy.
“Yes he makes mistakes, he’s young. That’s going to happen – you’d be naive or silly to think that won’t.
“But what I will give you is this guy works his nuts off, he actually gets out there and takes responsibility.
“He wants the ball and when he gets in there he gives them a problem, he’s a threat.”
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But Humphreys made sure to go back to Ferdinand and remind him of some television politeness.
“And the phrase you’re looking for is works very hard.”
The pair laughed off the moment and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer agreed with his old teammate’s assessment.
The United boss also praised James after the final whistle, saying: “We know his qualities, he creates space for the other players around him. I’m delighted for the boy.”
Welsh winger James, who signed from Swansea for £15million in the summer, now has two goals in three appearances for the club.
And despite another disappointing result for the Red Devils, Ferdinand tweeted his confidence that the youngster can lead the side to better days.
He wrote: “When we have teams waiting to be finished we have to be more ruthless….
“We weren’t today and we got sucker punched after totally controlling the game up to the equaliser!
“Dan James the bright spark!”
