IS FERGIE losing his grip after United's arrogant jaunt to Saudi Arabia?


EVERTON got what they deserved by not having a go against Chelsea


AND SPURS need to save the laps of honour for teams that actually win trophies

Cristiano Ronaldo is the country's No 1 player, Wayne Rooney is on top of his game again and Carlos Tevez has been a goalscoring revelation.

• Read yesterday's Hatchet Man

It seems that even the neutrals are learning to appreciate and respect Manchester United.

And then in mid-season they take themselves off for a money-spinning trip to Saudi Arabia, flogging the brand, selling a few more kits and expecting the rest of us to accept such arrogance.

They can do that, it seems, because they are so much better than the rest. Why take it easy ahead of an FA Cup fourth-round tie with Tottenham, when there is money to be earned half-way around the world?

The surprise is that Sir Alex Ferguson endorsed the trip, so does that also tell us that he is no longer the powerful force he was once?

Losing your grip. Fergie? Next you'll be agreeing to sign average players, just because their passport might help the commercial department. But let's leave Ji-Sung Park out of this.

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WE MUST congratulate Tottenham on their outstanding performance against Arsenal, but did they really need the lap of honour at the end?

Hatchet Man likes a good knees-up, but suggests you wait until you get your hands on a cup next time.

That's how the big clubs do it.

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"RAFA must feel very alone. Liverpool were once a close-knit and well-run club."

That's all Liverpool needed. Can't win a game in 2008, owners and manager falling out, 14 points off the top ... and now sympathy from Sir Alex!

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HERE'S one comment posted on the site yesterday, from Sover in Swansea. "Theo Walcott is looking more and more a big mistake in every game. Against Spurs, he was totally ineffective yet again."

Poor Theo. He's gone from the World Cup to a loan transfer, probably to Reading. He's quick and direct and was meant to be the new Thierry Henry. Instead, he's turned out to be the new Leroy Lita.

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ONE thing that is really bugging me: teams who are beaten without having a go.

Like Everton, who reach a semi-final and then play one up front in the second leg when they need one goal to get back in the tie.

Aston Villa and West Ham have already gone out of the FA Cup with a whimper, just because they were too afraid to really get at their opponents.

It's what was so refreshing about Spurs, they just went for Arsenal and were rewarded with their best win in a decade.

There is a lesson here: Give it a go, or you're going out.

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KEVIN Keegan to sign Jonathan Woodgate, reports The Independent.

As with Michael Owen and Damien Duff, Newcastle haven't got enough expensive talent spending more time with the nurses than on the pitch.

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HERE are some unofficial rules of football.

1. Only support one club.

2. Never bet against your own team.

3. Only outstanding players can wear brightly coloured boots.

Let me know of any more you would like to add and we'll keep them going and spread the word. Some fans need all the help they can get.

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ANYONE spot Claude Makelele's dive at Goodison Park on Wednesday? Isn't he old enough to know better?

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FOOTBALLERS' Wives (the best bits). They get a bad name, but they can't be all bad.

And it's a good excuse for a picture to liven up the column.

Each Thursday we'll pick another of the WAGs.

Today: Menaye Donkor, Miss Ghana 2004 and now a 'top model'. She's the girlfriend of Sulley Muntari of Portsmouth.

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THEY SAID: "I told Bryan, 'You've got more time, this is still yours, give it your best shot'." - Kevin McCabe, Sheffield United chairman

THEY MEANT: "I don't care how great you were as a player, lose to Manchester City on Sunday and you are toast."

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