Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has thanked Manchester United for their contribution to his former team's Champions League qualification on the final day
Comments
Sport
Former Newcastle United player Alan Shearer celebrates with a scarf
Alan Shearer had Manchester United to thank for Newcastle's Champions League qualification on the final day of the season
(Image: PA)
Alan Shearer has sent a cheeky message to Manchester United after the Reds' win over Aston Villa helped Newcastle seal a place in next season's Champions League.
Amad and substitute Christian Eriksen both scored in the second half of Sunday's 2-0 win over Villa in the Premier League to ensure a well-earned three points for Ruben Amorim's side.
United were in control throughout the match, squandering numerous opportunities both before and after Villa's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was given his marching orders. The Argentine was sent off just before the interval for a reckless challenge on Rasmus Hojlund outside the penalty area.
And the result at Old Trafford has had huge ramifications for other top-flight teams. Villa's loss in M16 sees them finish the campaign in sixth, level on points but with a worse goal difference than fifth-placed Newcastle, who lost 1-0 to Everton.
With the Magpies' place in Europe's elite competition secured, Newcastle legend Shearer has thanked the Reds for their contribution on the final day.
"I knew our good friends at Man Utd would do the Toon a favour. Phewwww," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, alongside several cheeky-face emojis.
United, meanwhile, ended a desperately poor season in 15th and will play no European football next season after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.
"First of all, I want to apologise for this season," Reds boss Amorim said to the club's supporters on the pitch at full-time on Sunday. "I am really disappointed with the team. I want to say thank you. We are very grateful for your support during the season.
"I know it was really hard to suffer in many games, but now we have to make a choice. We can stay in the past. But this season is in the past, it's over. Or we can stick together and move forward.
"Today, after this disaster season, the good days are coming. If there is one club in the world that proved in the past that it can overcome any situation, any disaster, it's our club - Manchester United Football Club. Now I want to say sorry also to my players. Sometimes I was not fair, but I always tried to be honest with you guys. Thank you very much, see you next season."
Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.