Alan Shearer has never been afraid of criticizing Manchester United, but the Newcastle United Legend seemed to carry out a U-turn to Gary Lineker's surprise
Alan Shearer laughed that he “will never say a bad word” about Manchester United after their victory over Aston Villa helped to secure his beloved Newcastle United a place in the Champions League. The magpies achieved fifth place on the last day of the Premier League season and made their return to Europe's Top Club competition.
During most of the last day of the campaign, it seemed that they should settle for the Europa League, after they had fallen 1-0 from Everton at home. However, when United took the lead against Villa via Amad Diallo in the 76th minute, the Magpies were lifted back to fifth position, despite finding out the Toffees.
Ruben Amorim's side continued to secure the three points by Christian Eriksen, who sent a penalty in the 87th minute to double United's lead. Although they eventually collapse for Everton, Newcastle players and supporters broke out in parties that were not seen since they won the League Cup in Wembley after it was confirmed that they would be back in Europe's top competition next season.
Although in the past he is a vocal critic of the Red Devils, especially this season, Shearer has promised to hold his criticism of United for himself, to thank his former rivals.
While speaking on the rest is a football podcast, said co-gastheer Gary Lineker: “You had a very nervy afternoon, Alan.” Shearer replied: “I will never have said a bad word to Manchester United,” who was laughing of both.
Lineker joked, “Who thought they would save you?” To which Shearer is familiar: “And a certain decision that could have helped.”
He referred to the moment of controversy at Old Trafford, in which a goal from Morgan Rogers was not allowed, after he was supposed to have kicked the ball out of the hands of the United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Despite repetition images that showed that the Turkish Shot stopper had no control over the ball, VAR could not intervene to grant the goal because the official Thomas Bramall had blown the whistle before the ball went into the net. Villa prevented the enormously controversial moment to take a 1-0 lead and eventually stopped to qualify for the Champions League.
However, it was a blessing for the magpies who will compete for the second time in three years in Europe Elite competition. It can also be a way to retain star man Alexander Isak, who has been associated with movements on Arsenal and many others.
Speaking of the controversial result, said Shearer, who had many fights against United during his career,: “Who had thought it? Man United did the tone a huge favor.
“I mean, they have been rotten all season, isn't it? They deserved to win yesterday. Villa was really poor and missed so many things. They couldn't complain in terms of United who deserved to win, but they could complain about the decision that went against them.”
Immediately after their season, United was on board a flight to Malaysia for a tour after the season. Their travel schedule includes a competition in Kuala Lumpur on 28 May and another in Hong Kong only two days later.
The victory over Villa was a positive end to a chastice season for the Red Devils. Their victory over Unai Emery's side brought them to the 15th position, making them finish the campaign with 11 victories, nine draws and 18 defeats. Nevertheless, this season is falling as their worst in the Premier League era and as one of the most miserable in their history.