Alan Shearer has shared a brilliant message after Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League.
It was never going to be easy, but the Magpies found a way and confirmed their return to the Champions League thanks to other results.
Newcastle United lost to Everton at St James’ Park on the day, but it was a win for historic rivals Manchester United that did the trick after they beat Aston Villa to keep them out of the top five and into the Europa League.
Champions League nights are coming back to Tyneside after a year out, and the feeling inside the ground was one of sheer relief and agitation, knowing that the club have ended the season on an almighty high.
Very few could have predicted the season Newcastle have had, but Eddie Howe has done a sensational job and secured a return to Europe’s top competition, and a busy summer.
Alan Shearer admitted the Premier League’s finale would be tense for Newcastle, but he will be delighted to see his club returning to the Champions League when it looked so far away at times this season.
Now, the Newcastle legend has shared his thoughts on the qualification and thanked a surprise group of people for helping to make it happen.
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Alan Shearer thanks Man United after Newcastle United secure Champions League
Shearer has been an unofficial spokesperson for the Magpies all season, regularly taking to social media or his podcast to praise players or Howe for their performances.
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Most recently, Shearer praised Jacob Murphy for his terrific Premier League season, which has ultimately helped Newcastle qualify for the Champions League.
Now, in a shock move, Shearer has thanked his old rivals, Manchester United, for helping Newcastle get back into the Champions League spots.
On the social media platform X, Shearer said: “I knew our good friends at Man Utd would do the Toon a favour. Phewwww.”
Famously, Shearer rejected Man United for Newcastle in 1996 after he looked destined to move to Old Trafford rather than his boyhood club, but all looks forgiven after their goals helped Newcastle qualify for the Champions League.
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A big summer is ahead for the Magpies, with Paul Mitchell now set to be put to the test to see whether he can sign the big names touted for the club.
One position they need to improve is in attack. Callum Wilson left the St James’ Park pitch in tears after the Everton game, suggesting he is set to leave the club at the end of his contract this summer.
Elsewhere, the futures of Sean Longstaff and Kieran Trippier are still unknown. However, Longstaff could now stay at the club due to UEFA’s club-trained rules.
Howe will now be focusing on preparing for next season and their important Champions League campaign.
They will learn their opponents for the Champions League league stage on August 28, 2025. The Magpies will also be joined by Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham, with the latter qualifying for the Champions League after winning the Europa League.