Alan Shearer snubbed a move to Manchester United in order to make a move to boyhood club Newcastle United.
Back in 1996, Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign Alan Shearer, but the Newcastle-born striker turned down Manchester United in order to make a move to St James’ Park.
Ferguson signed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer instead of Shearer and the Norwegian forward made history by scoring the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League.
Now, it is Newcastle who find themselves in the Champions League while United are attempting to rebuild and return to their former glory.
But the lack of European football is hardly having an impact on United’s transfer business with Ineos set to beat Newcastle to Bryan Mbeumo.
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Man United set to secure ‘dream’ Bryan Mbeumo signing
Earlier this season, Alan Shearer told the Rest is Football Podcast that Bryan Mbeumo was his “dream” signing for Newcastle this summer.
Newcastle are in the market for a right-sided winger and the Magpies believed their Champions League status could help get a deal over the line.
However, Mbeumo wants to join United over any other top-flight club, with Newcastle set to miss out on the 25-year-old Brentford star.
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Brentford want around £60 million for Mbeumo, matching the price United paid for Matheus Cunha this window.
With Mbeumo making it clear he wants to make the move to Old Trafford, it is now down to Ineos to agree a fee for the winger.
Man United continue to have a huge transfer pull
United are coming off the back of their worst Premier League season in history after finishing 15th in 2024/25 having also failed to win the Europa League final.
While it is easy to look at United’s decline over the last decade, the Red Devils prove time and time again that they will forever be a huge attraction to star players.
Reports claimed Cunha ‘loves’ United and wanted to complete the move regardless of other interested clubs or European status.
READ MORE: Bryan Mbeumo has already impressed Ruben Amorim where Liam Delap did not, Viktor Gyokeres must be next
Now, Mbeumo is following suit and is showing full faith in Amorim’s long-term project rather than jumping to a club with European football.
Ultimately, Amorim wants to win the Premier League as United boss and he needs players that are bought into his long-term project.