Sheffield United: Oliver Norwood on identity, tactics, his true motivation and sharing a joke with a team mate

The subject never changes. There isn't really a punchline. But the fact it still amuses them explains why, despite rarely deviating from a tried and tested formula, Chris Wilder's tactics are so difficult for opponents to fathom out.

"There's usually a moment when John and I stand there, look at each other, and wonder where the rest of the lads have gone," Norwood laughs, trying and failing to analyse United's strategy in words a layman might understand. "There we are, hanging around in our own half, and we're completely on our own. Other than Hendo in goal of course."

Norwood and his team mate are perhaps the most pivotal figures in their manager's pioneering system because, as the Northern Ireland international admits, they do what every other outfield player does not. While Egan's fellow centre-halves Chris Basham and Jack O'Connell bomb forward at every opportunity, joining wing-backs Enda Stevens and George Baldock in attack, they frequently find themselves keeping goalkeeper Dean Henderson company back in United's own half.