Owners face battle for TV control

THERE’S a great temptation to quote the Wilde cliche on ‘carelessness’ after Fulham was succeeded by Everton. I’ll stick to blaming Fergie, for his inept tinkering with 10 minutes to go. You truly cannot teach an old dog new tricks.

I was pleased, though, that he omitted Rooney. Not because I was virtually the only hack on these isles to flag up and recommend the possibility, as I did here last week, but because it was the right, humane thing to do.

Incidentally, I am aware there was a so-called ‘Battle of Britain’ at Old Trafford last night, but please: Rangers have no right to be claiming to be a part of such a thing. Come back when you’ve at least reached a European Cup final. And with all due respect to Celtic, it is next Sunday that sees the true national heavyweight contest.