Shearer – the greatest?

Last updated : 04 December 2002 By Martyn Elliott

In an interview with Evening Chronicle Shepherd said: "I have held this view for some time now and not just after Alan Shearer's magnificent goal against Everton on Sunday, which I must say is probably the greatest I have ever seen him score.

"Alan Shearer has been everything we hoped he would be and more.

"His goals record speaks for itself but, you name it, he's got it. His all-round character and skill are amazing.

"And he has been a captain fantastic for us. Certainly when the chips are down you can rely on Shearer to roll his sleeves up and we could not ask any more from him."

Time often makes players look better than they actually were, so to hear Shepherd describe Shearer as the greatest while he is still playing is amazing.

It is difficult to compare players across generations, but Shearer is certainly up there with Jackie Milburn, Peter Beardsley, Hughie Gallacher and Bobby Moncur in terms of the being United’s best ever player.

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