Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer reacts
Alan Shearer has thanked Manchester United after they inadvertently helped Newcastle secure a place in next season's Champions League
Alan Shearer has sent a tongue-in-cheek thank you to Manchester United following their win over Aston Villa. The Red Devils' victory inadvertently confirmed Newcastle United's spot in the Champions League next season.
Goals from Amad and Christian Eriksen after the break saw Ruben Amorim's side secure a 2-0 win to pocket three valuable points in the Premier League clash.
Man United dominated the game from start to finish, missing several chances to score both before and after Villa's keeper Emiliano Martinez was dismissed for a rash tackle on Rasmus Hojlund just outside the box, shortly before half-time.
The defeat at Old Trafford has significant consequences for other clubs in the top division, as it left Villa sitting in sixth position, tied on points but behind on goal difference compared to fifth-placed Newcastle, who suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Everton.
Following the results that sealed the Magpies' place among Europe's footballing elite, club icon Shearer expressed his gratitude towards the Red Devils for their role on the decisive day of the season.
Shearer took to social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, to say: "I knew our good friends at Man Utd would do the Toon a favour. Phewwww," accompanied by an array of playful emojis.
When asked about events at Old Trafford, Magpies boss Eddie Howe said: "It was good news then maybe not some good news and then good news again. The last part of the game was strange but we wanted to come back and win the game.
"The power and pull of the Champions League is huge. The excitement of people here but it's a selling point for the club. We have to get the financials right and every aspect right."
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