Alan Shearer was left thanking Manchester United for saving Newcastle's Champions League hopes as Ruben Amorim's side beat Aston Villa on the final day, while he also made a heartfelt promise
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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
(Image: PA)
Alan Shearer claims he will “never say a bad word” against Manchester United again after their win over Aston Villa helped his beloved Newcastle United qualify for the Champions League.
The Magpies secured a fifth-place finish on the final day of the Premier League season to narrowly seal their return to Europe’s elite club competition. Carabao Cup winners Newcastle almost threw away their efforts over the past season with a 1-0 defeat at home to David Moyes' Everton on Sunday.
But they were saved by the fact that Villa, who to finish ahead of Newcastle needed just a single point against a United side fresh off the back of their Europa League final disappointment, suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
Emiliano Martinez’s red card on the stroke of half time allowed Ruben Amorim’s men to take control in the second half and score two goals courtesy of Amad and Christian Eriksen.
Newcastle legend Shearer, like the thousands in attendance at St James’ Park, was able to breathe a sigh of relief when the action came to a head. And despite being a vocal critic of the Red Devils in the past and especially this season, Shearer vowed to no longer unleash his wrath on United.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, co-host Gary Lineker began by saying: “You had a very nervy afternoon, Alan,” to which Shearer replied: “I will never have a bad word said against Manchester United again,” before they burst into laughter.
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Lineker added: “Who would have thought that they’d bail you out?” Shearer then admitted: “And a certain decision that might’ve helped.”
He was referring to how Villa went on to launch an official complaint to referees’ body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) after official Thomas Bramall made a decision that arguably cost them their Champions League hopes.
Unai Emery’s men thought Morgan Rogers had given them the lead after he poked the ball away from Altay Bayindir as the United goalkeeper attempted to gather the ball and slotted home.
Bramall, however, blew his whistle for a foul, believing Bayindir had two hands on the ball, though TV footage showed otherwise. And because Bramall stopped play before the ball entered the net, VAR could not intervene.
The decision proved costly for Villa, but Newcastle are set to benefit from returning to the Champions League after a year’s absence from the competition. It is believed that qualification will help Eddie Howe’s efforts to hold on to some of his best players, including the in-demand Alexander Isak.
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers (right) kicks the ball away from Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before scoring only for the goal to be disallowed by referee Thomas Bramall
Morgan Rogers (right) was penalised for kicking the ball away from Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before scoring - only for the goal to be disallowed
(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
The former England captain was then asked by Lineker to voice an appreciation of his love for the Red Devils after their important win over Villa, to which Shearer said: “Who would have thought it? Man United doing the Toon a massive favour.
“I mean they’ve been rotten all season, haven’t they? They deserved to win yesterday. Villa were really poor and lacked so many things. They couldn’t complain in terms of United deserving to win but they could complain against the decision that went against them.”
Meanwhile, United flew straight to Malaysia just hours after the full-time whistle at the end of their worst ever Premier League campaign. The trip will see them play in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 28, and then in Hong Kong on May 30.
Shearer voiced his disbelief towards the tour’s bizarre timing: “They’ve got to go and make an appearance. Can you imagine having the season that they’ve had and players sat on a [plane]...”
Referencing United’s recent budget cuts implemented by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, which has seen free staff lunches scrapped, Lineker joked: “I hope they get enough money to pay for packed lunches,” sparking laughter from Shearer and Micah Richards.
Richards then added in a more serious tone: “It can only get better. We’ve talked about Man United all season. I don’t want to pile on Amorim. It’s been a shocking season, everyone knows that.
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“Let’s see what he can do with the transfer window. I know Alan’s made it clear on multiple occasions, will they even have money to spend? What players can they get in? But ultimately, they can’t be any worse next season.”
United finished in 15th place, ending the season with their worst ever points tally, least wins and most defeats. Their only shot at redemption was winning the Europa League final last week, which they failed to do as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.