Distance. A criminally underestimated detail. Example in build up to United’s first goal yesterday. Rashford’s distance between three Everton defenders is perfect. Close enough to draw them out but not too close to be unable to receive the ball...

He’s outnumbered but his judgement of space gives him the advantage. Too far and he doesn’t influence the defenders to create space. Too close and he doesn’t move defenders enough and has less time on the ball. More examples to come (WiFi currently down )...

But I always like to focus on awareness with my players. Can they make a picture of what’s around them and judge space. Think in touches and space. If I receive it here, how many touches do I have? If I move here, am I close enough to draw a defender out? Space and distance.

It’s the beauty of football that it’s simultaneously an art that requires creativity while also being a game of chess in real time that relies on anticipation and thinking ahead. Distance and space are important elements of that chess mentality.

More on distance and Rashford. Still the build up to the same goal. Here his movement to the ball relies on maintaining a distance to the defender. Close enough for defender to think that he can win ball to entice him into tackle. Movement of Mata and Fernandes also class!

Final and decisive example. Still same player and same goal. Rashford distance to Coleman and Dacoure draws them both to him creating space for Mata to use and for Shaw to get in behind Coleman. Fernandes distance to CBs also means that they can’t track him. Distance is decisive!

Rashford draws Doucoure and Rodriguez. Apologies!