The Liverpool forward has had to stave off suggestions he seeks to con referees, but to focus on that would be to miss the point
It has been interesting to observe how the back-and-forth between Merseyside and Manchester ahead of Sunday's top of the table clash has centered on Sadio Mane.
The Senegal international, who has so often this season been the protagonist of late Liverpool flourishes in games, has finally gotten the treatment that is reserved for only the most feared and potent players in the league.
Sir Alex Ferguson ensured that the "mind game" entered the football lexicon forever, but his beloved Manchester United no longer feature where it matters in the Premier League.