EVERTON are on target to pocket half-a-million pounds if Manchester United win the Premiership. So it’s sod’s law that United come to Goodison Park on Saturday in a crucial showdown. It has led to a couple of comments about a potential conflict of interest. But I can honestly say that not one player will give that clause in Wayne Rooney’s transfer one second’s thought at the weekend. It’s probably something that fans talk about more than footballers. I know that the only financial issues footballers worry about are their own wages. Players are essentially a selfish, individual breed. You do your job to the best of your ability, but there’s no way you think ‘The club could receive a nice little bonus if United win today.’ Equally, players don’t think about the financial incentives on offer to a club for finishing a place or two higher up the league table. They play matches, hope to win games – and just leave the financial rewards to other people. I should imagine the vast majority of Everton fans, as well as players, aren’t really bothered who wins the Premiership title . . . as long as it’s not Liverpool! To that end, they’ll probably be hoping that Everton do pocket another potential bonus from the Wayne Rooney transfer, however – from United winning the Champions League trophy! There would be smiles all round in the blue half of the city if that comes off. Not as many as there would be, however, if Everton can beat United this Saturday lunchtime. The visit of United at any time in a season is a daunting one, but there’s just a feeling that this could be a good moment to face Fergie’s men. I saw the second half of their game against Middlesbrough on Saturday, when they were very flat. They have another high intensity game to negotiate tonight, and have several players struggling with injury. With three-quarters of a first choice back four injured – Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic – plus a goalkeeper struggling a little for form, United are looking more vulnerable than usual. | 
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