I ignored Manchester United twice in five years and I can’t stand them now

Newcastle and Manchester United have an odd rivalry that revolves around the most significant transfer rejection of the formative Premier League years.

The reaction of a Manchester United supporter to Alan Shearer’s tweet was positively delectable. A renowned television gameshow quote from Bullseye that reads, “Look at what you would have won!” is displayed alongside an image of Sir Alex Ferguson displaying the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League trophies with pride.

It is unsurprising that Shearer continues to receive inquiries regarding this unresolved matter.

“Absolutely never! “Both at the time and now, I found them intolerable!!!” That was his remark regarding career regrets and whether or not the fact that he had been rejected by United (twice) was still upsetting.

In 1992, he was presented with his initial opportunity to transfer to Old Trafford, but Shearer opted for Blackburn and United selected Eric Cantona instead. The latter would expeditiously contribute to United’s consecutive league and FA Cup victories.

Although football (nearly) returned home in 1996, it was Ferguson’s most significant performance for the striker that everyone desired that stood out. Comparable to Erling Haaland or Harry Kane, Shearer was comparable. He would have elevated Fergie’s United to a higher caliber.

Martin Edwards, the former chairman of Manchester United, stated, “In regards to Alan Shearer’s contract, I had actually reached a settlement with you.” “Shearer visited Ferguson’s residence, exchanged words with him, and guaranteed his presence.” The issue, in my opinion, stemmed from Blackburn’s chairman, Jack Walker, who harbored a negative sentiment towards Manchester United, a Lancashire club and local rival.

“He was opposed to Alan Shearer’s transfer to Manchester United.” Shearer had a strong bond with Walker, who was like a parent figure to him; therefore, Alan probably did not wish to offend him by joining United. “Moreover, I doubt Jack would have allowed him to enter regardless; he was content for Alan to travel to Newcastle; that did not appear to be a threat to him.”

Everyone is aware of the following. Furthermore, it was not perceived by the public that Blackburn had seized Shearer from United; rather, it was interpreted as Shearer’s rejection. It was, in fact, both.

United supporters laughed at his selection of Newcastle, with whom he would go on to become a club legend despite failing to secure any victories. According to the adage, they ultimately signed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Solskjaer spent over a decade at the club following his summer 1996 transfer. During that time, he amassed six league championships, two FA Cups, and the Champions League in 1999, a feat made more dramatic by his renowned toe-poke. Newcastle finished thirteenth in the Premier League that season, and United dispatched them with ease, 2-0, in the FA Cup final.

Recently, Shearer insisted, “Of course, I was tempted to join Manchester United, but I do not regret either decision.” “I enjoyed myself immensely while lifting the league with Blackburn. And I achieved my personal goal of playing for the club in my hometown of Newcastle. “I possess indelible memories and a goalscoring record that fills me with immense pride.”

Ferguson, who was initially enraged that Shearer was unable to persuade him to visit Old Trafford despite reassuring him that he could have the No.9 shirt (but that he wouldn’t be taking penalties, given Cantona’s perfect record from that position), ultimately didn’t give it much thought.

“I believed we would have our man if they were the only concerns that occupied his attention,” he explained. “History will judge whether his prediction of Newcastle over us was accurate.”

Deep down, only Shearer is aware of whether or not he is genuinely content with his decision. Although United had few misgivings during that era, they were not accustomed to being overlooked.

Therefore, the next time you hear “Cheer up Alan Shearer” performed to the melody of “Daydream Believer” by The Monkees or the renowned Solskjaer song reverberating around Old Trafford, bear in mind this particular saga and that Ferguson quote. Shearer has been the source of amusement for United supporters for over two decades. That will not be changing anytime soon.