For all his vast experience as a player both with his clubs and internationally, it was only a few weeks ago that Tom Cleverley stood in a dug-out at a game watched by 20,000 fans as a head coach for the first time.

Suddenly, 40,000-plus eyes were on him, ready to analyse and possibly criticise his every decision.

Nonetheless, Cleverley says that the much calmer waters of the touchline of Under-18 games earlier in the season have provided perfect preparation for him to handle being the decision maker, and the blame taker.

“Being responsible and accountable is something I really enjoy,” he said.

“I think my eight months in the Academy has been perfect for helping me with that.

“There is a lot less pressure at that level but leading the Under-18s still means you are accountable for every decision that’s made, and you manage the staff, the players and the performance.

“I think that time with the Academy is the best grounding and given me the best experiences for when I was given this role.”

It has also been his first taste of ‘discussing’ decisions with the fourth official, something he has done a little more of with each game.

“I was probably a little bit too animated on Monday!” Cleverley laughed.

“Sometimes you’re not proud of some of your actions after the game, but I’m a passionate guy who is passionate about this club’s results.

“That can spill over sometimes, but being in that environment has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and every new experience is a part of the job.”

Then there is the journey home on the coach: no longer can he sit further down the aisle with his headphones on, or even get a bit of sleep.

“The bus ride home is a lot different when you draw rather than win, that doesn’t change,” he reflected.

“But yeah, as a player, I suppose you can switch off a bit. You’re thinking on Monday on the bus that you’re not working again until Wednesday morning.

“Whereas, for the coach, the work starts on the journey home.

“I’m analysing the game just played, I’m analysing Preston, trying to come up with a game plan that puts things right.

“There is no real switch-off until that last whistle has gone on May 4.”