The tactical philosophy of gegenpressing (German for ‘counter pressing’) came to widespread prominence thanks to Jürgen Klopp’s successful Borussia Dortmund side from 2010 to 2012. 

Teams focus an organised press on their opponents high up the field immediately after losing possession, rather than dropping back to regroup, thus countering the counter-attack. The idea is that this will lead to higher value chances if the ball is won back. 

Ralf Rangnick is often claimed to be the inventor, while Klopp cites other influences such as his Mainz coach Wolfgang Frank. The truth, however, is that Michael Gray invented gegenpressing in September 2005.

Rovers hadn’t won at Old Trafford for 43 years, but recorded a memorable 2-1 victory thanks the sweet left boot of Morten Gamst Pedersen. 

Despite a slow start to the season, Mark Hughes was bold in his attacking intent by playing two strikers and was rewarded in the first half with Pedersen’s swinging free-kick from deep which eluded everyone. 

His second goal in the 81st minute was all due to the excellent work by left back Gray, who pushed up towards the United penalty box, stole the ball from a dawdling Paul Scholes and swiftly set up Pedersen for a golden chance. 

There’s an extremely odd reaction by Gray when the ball hit the back of the net: instead of celebrating, he put his hands on his head because he realised the magnitude of what he’d just done. Football philosophy would be revolutionised from that day.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea (Bardsley 57), Ferdinand, Silvestre, Richardson, Fletcher (Rooney 55), Smith, Scholes, Ronaldo, van Nistelrooy, Park (Giggs 69). Subs Not Used: Howard, Miller. Goals: van Nistelrooy 67.

Rovers: Friedel, Neill, Khizanishvili, Nelsen, Gray, Bentley (Emerton 75), Tugay (Mokoena 45), Savage, Pedersen, Bellamy, Dickov (Reid 63). Subs Not Used: Kuqi, Enckelman. Goals: Pedersen 33, 81.