ROY KEANE clashed with Micah Richards following Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
But several fans found themselves distracted by Daniel Sturridge during the heated debate.
Keane, Richards and Sturridge made up the pundits panel for the first Super Sunday of the season.
After the game, which was decided by Riccardo Calafiori’s scrappy 13th minute goal, Keane and Richards disagreed over Altay Bayindir’s role in the winner.
Under pressure from William Saliba as Declan Rice swung in a corner, the United stopper failed to deal with the delivery, which was then prodded home by Calafiori.
As Richards claimed that Bayindir had needed more protection, Keane fumed: “Micah, this is big boy stuff.
“There’s going to be mismatches. If they’ve got a lot more players bigger than you’re leads, then you’re going to be outmatched somewhere.”
As Richards continued to try and make his case, Keane snarled: “That’s the goalkeeper, you can’t babysit a goalkeeper.”
The former Manchester City star did relent a little bit, adding: “I agree with you that the goalkeeper should definitely do better.
“But I also believe he should be protected a lot more.”
As the argument waged on, Sturridge sat between the two warring pundits.
The former Liverpool striker looked relaxed, with on leg crossed over the other.
At certain points, Sturridge looked like he may have even been suppressing a laugh.
Noticing the ex-England star’s stance, several fans joked on social media.
One wrote: “Sturridge sat between those two going back and forth was killing me.”
While a second posted: “Sturridge in the middle of these two debating is so funny to watch! Would love be front row for that too. Roy annoyed is comedy.”
A third joked: “Sturridge sitting there wishing he had a big fat cigar.”
And another added: “Danny sturridge loves this Keane/ Richards argument.”
Bayindir found himself starting between the sticks, despite Andre Onana being fit again.
Onana was also snubbed from the bench, with Tom Heaton preferred.
Asked about the station, boss Ruben Amorim said: “We try to choose the best players for each game, so next week is a different life.
“This week, we chose these players. No (he is not injured), he’s recovered but the other guys did so well during pre-season, so I need to balance that.”
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