An interesting question has been posed to Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer.
The 54-year-old had a legendary career with Newcastle United, captaining his boyhood club after his world record £15million move. Shearer became Newcastle’s record goalscorer with 206 goals in total, and it is a record that will belong to him for a very long time.
However, Shearer did not win much silverware during his career. He did lift the Premier League trophy, but that came when he was a Blackburn Rovers player. He did not win a single trophy with Newcastle United, having played for the Magpies at a time when Manchester United dominated English football.
And it was a Manchester United side that Shearer could have played for. Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign Shearer on two occasions, but the striker turned down the Red Devils both times.
Alan Shearer leaves Gary Lineker and Micah Richards in hysterics
Ever since then, there has always been a bit of a rivalry between Shearer and Man United. Their fans sing songs about Shearer, while the Toon Army give it back to them whenever Newcastle and Man United meet.
But what if Shearer had to pick between the two biggest rivals in his career? That is the question that Gary Lineker has presented.
On the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker asked Shearer if he had to sign for one club, who would he pick between Manchester United and Sunderland.
“Neither,” he said.
“I’d take up golf!”
Shearer’s quick-witted answer had Lineker and Micah Richards in stiches, as they immediately burst out laughing in response to the Geordie hero.
Shearer will take any opportunity to poke fun at Sunderland
There was no chance Shearer was going to pick between Manchester United and Sunderland. He has quite the history with Man United, while Sunderland are Newcastle’s biggest rivals!
It was not too long ago that Shearer mocked David Moyes because of his time as Sunderland manager on the Rest Is Football podcast.
However, Shearer has admitted he would like to see Sunderland back in the Premier League. Earlier this year, he said he would like the Black Cats to be promoted so that the Tyne-Wear derbies were more regular.
The FA Cup clash between the two sides in January was their first meeting since 2016.
It is unclear when the next derby game will be. Sunderland will have ambitions of it being next season, after starting the 2024/25 campaign very brightly. They are second in the Championship after the opening six games.
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