Sports Letter: Double standards

Sir: Your newspaper and other media have been foolishly ranting on about the prospects of Manchester United doing 'The Double' since they scraped to the top of the table on goal difference. Many better teams have failed to win either trophy from stronger positions, later in the season.

I suggest you use the following criteria before mentioning 'The Double': a team must be within six points of the League leaders, and in the FA Cup semi-finals, before 'The Double' may be suggested.

This will minimise your embarrassment in years to come.

Yours faithfully,

FERGUS HORKAN

Northampton

14 February