Alan Shearer has never been afraid of criticising Manchester United, but the Newcastle United legend appeared to perform a U-turn to Gary Lineker's surprise
Alan Shearer laughed that he will "never say a bad word" about Manchester United again after their victory over Aston Villa helped his beloved Newcastle United secure a spot in the Champions League. The Magpies clinched fifth place on the final day of the Premier League season, narrowly securing their return to Europe's top club competition.
For most of the final day of the campaign, it looked like they were going to have to settle for the Europa League, after falling 1-0 behind at home to Everton. However, when United took the lead against Villa through Amad Diallo in the 76th minute, the Magpies were lifted back into fifth position, despite trailing the Toffees.
Ruben Amorim's side went on to secure the three-points through Christian Eriksen, who dispatched a penalty in the 87th minute to double United's lead. Despite eventually succumbing to defeat to Everton, Newcastle players and supporters erupted into celebrations not seen since they won the League Cup at Wembley after it was confirmed that they would be back in Europe's top-tier competition next season.
Despite being a vocal critic of the Red Devils in the past, particularly this season, Shearer has promised to keep his criticism of United to himself, to say thank you to his former rivals.
While speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, co-host Gary Lineker said: "You had a very nervy afternoon, Alan." Shearer responded: "I will never have a bad word said against Manchester United again," prompting laughter from both.
Lineker quipped: "Who would have thought that they'd bail you out?" to which Shearer confessed: "And a certain decision that might've helped."
He was referencing the moment of controversy at Old Trafford, which saw a goal from Morgan Rogers disallowed, after he was deemed to have kicked the ball out of the hands of United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Despite replay footage showing the Turkish shot-stopper had no control of the ball, VAR could not intervene to award the goal, as official Thomas Bramall had blown the whistle before the ball went into the net. The hugely controversial moment prevented Villa from taking a 1-0 lead, and, ultimately, stopped them from qualifying for the Champions League.
However, it was a blessing for the Magpies, who will compete in Europe's elite competition for the second time in three years. It may also go some way to retaining star man Alexander Isak, who has been linked with moves to the likes of Arsenal and many others.
Talking about the controversial result, Shearer, who had many battles against United during his career, 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."
Directly after their season wrapped up, United boarded a flight to Malaysia for a post-season tour. Their itinerary includes a match in Kuala Lumpur on May 28 and another in Hong Kong just two days later.
The victory over Villa was a positive end to a chastening season for the Red Devils. Their win over Unai Emery's side lifted them up to 15th position, which saw them finish the campaign with 11 victories, nine draws and 18 defeats. Nevertheless, this season goes down as their worst in the Premier League era and as one of the most miserable in their history.