Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has vowed to never criticise Manchester United again after the Red Devils beat Aston Villa on the final day of the season
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12:35, 28 May 2025
Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer has vowed to "never say a bad word" against Manchester United again after their victory over Aston Villa helped his beloved Newcastle United secure a spot in the Champions League.
The Magpies clinched a fifth-place finish on the final day of the Premier League season, narrowly securing their return to Europe's top club competition. Despite a 1-0 defeat at home to David Moyes' Everton on Sunday, the Carabao Cup winners managed to hold on to their position.
Their place was secured thanks to Villa's 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford. Villa needed just one point to finish ahead of Newcastle, but were left empty-handed after Emiliano Martinez was sent off just before half time, allowing Ruben Amorim's men to take control and score two goals courtesy of Amad and Christian Eriksen.
Newcastle legend Shearer, along with thousands of fans at St James' Park, breathed a sigh of relief as the action unfolded. Despite being a vocal critic of the Red Devils in the past, particularly this season, Shearer has promised to refrain from criticising Man United in the future.
On The Rest Is Football podcast, co-host Gary Lineker said: "You had a very nervy afternoon, Alan," to which Shearer responded: "I will never have a bad word said against Manchester United again," prompting laughter from both, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Lineker quipped: "Who would have thought that they'd bail you out?" to which Shearer conceded: "And a certain decision that might've helped."
This came as Aston Villa filed a formal complaint with the referees' body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), protesting against a contentious call by referee Thomas Bramall that might have derailed their Champions League aspirations.
Aston Villa was under the impression that Morgan Rogers had scored, believing he had dispossessed Altay Bayindir, Manchester United's goalkeeper, and found the net.
The official, Bramall, ruled it a foul, under the impression that Bayindir had established control of the ball with both hands, even though replay footage later contradicted this. Since play was halted before the ball crossed the goal line, VAR had no jurisdiction to review it.
Villa were on the losing end due to the controversial ruling, but Newcastle are anticipating rejoining the echelons of Champions League football after being absent for a season, which could also strengthen Eddie Howe's bid to retain star talents such as sought-after Alexander Isak.
Shearer was then playfully prompted by Lineker to express his gratitude towards Manchester United after their vital victory over Villa, leading Shearer to comment: "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 Man United deserving to win but they could complain against the decision that went against them."
Meanwhile, Manchester United jetted off to Malaysia mere hours following the conclusion of their most dismal Premier League season to date. The tour is set to feature matches in Kuala Lumpur on May 28, followed by a game in Hong Kong on May 30.
Shearer expressed his astonishment at the ill-timed tour, remarking: "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].."
In light of recent budgetary constraints at Man United, including the cessation of complimentary staff lunches as directed by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Lineker quipped: "I hope they get enough money to pay for packed lunches," eliciting chuckles from Shearer and Micah Richards.
Richards then spoke more earnestly: "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.
"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."
Manchester United concluded the season in a disappointing 15th position, marking their worst ever points total, fewest victories and highest number of losses. Their sole chance at salvaging the season was to triumph in the Europa League final last week, but they fell short, suffering a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.