Alan Shearer has again said he has no regrets about not joining Manchester United - and joked that he 'can't stand' the Old Trafford club.
Shearer twice rejected moves to United during Sir Alex Ferguson's reign - first leaving Southampton for Blackburn in 1992 instead of joining the Reds, then snubbing them again to switch to his boyhood favourites Newcastle in 1996.
Asked on Twitter if he wished he had been part of the Reds' most trophy-laden era by a fan, Shearer - who won the Premier League title with Blackburn in 1992 - stuck to his guns.
"Morning Al, simple question and an honest answer, please if you will. Do you ever think 'What if I'd signed for Manchester United'?" said a tweet aimed at the former striker.
Shearer, 48, fired back: "NEVER! I couldn’t stand them then and I can’t stand them now!!!" He accompanied his tweet with three 'crying laughing' emojis.
The truth, however, is not so clear cut.
Ahead of his final game for Newcastle in 2006 - ironically against United at Old Trafford - England legend Shearer told The Sun via Sky Sports he had been 'tempted' both times.
"Of course, I was tempted to join Manchester United, but I do not regret either decision," he said.
"I had a magical time at Blackburn, winning the league. And I completed my own dream of playing for my home town club of Newcastle.
"I have memories I will hold forever and a goalscoring record that makes me extremely proud."
United fans have baited Shearer in song - and more directly - ever since, but he added at the time: "Come the final whistle on Sunday I will shake Alex Ferguson's hand. He is a man you cannot help but admire for what he has achieved in the game."
The former striker scored 260 goals in 441 Premier League appearances for his three clubs and struck 32 times in 63 England games.
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