Shearer fears backlash from Ferguson's United
Newcastle United captain Alan Shearer is warning his team to beware a Manchester United backlash when the sides meet in the English premier league on Saturday.
Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, has suffered a spate of injuries to front-line players and critics have turned on the Old Trafford club who are fifth in the league, one point and one place above Newcastle.
Craig Bellamy, who was withdrawn from the Wales squad to take on Azerbaijan on Wednesday due to a knee problem, has been included in Bobby Robson's 18-man squad for the game that will kick off at 12.15 GMT.
Shearer, once touted for a move to Old Trafford, told reporters: "You always have to be wary when you are talking about past champions because if you say they are in decline, then they will always come back and haunt you.
"The sign of a good side is that when they are down, they always bounce back so we have to be very wary of that. It certainly won't be easy against a team with the likes of Scholes, Giggs, van Nistelrooy and Veron."
CONFIDENCE HIGH
Both sides have qualified for the second phase of the Champions League.
Newcastle kick off their Group A campaign at home against Inter Milan on Wednesday while Manchester United travel to Basel on Tuesday for their Group D opener.
"Confidence is high in our camp and we are confident we can go to Old Trafford and get something," former England skipper Shearer added.
"But we know that it's no good just saying that. We have to go there and prove it.
"We need to maintain the form that we have shown. The experienced lads have to lead the way and stay focused."
Newcastle last won at Old Trafford in February, 1972, and Shearer says his own track record at the against Manchester United at the so-called Theatre of Dreams is unimpressive.
"As a team Newcastle have not won there for God knows how long and that's not great," said Shearer.
"Personally, it's not been great either. But name me a team that's had a good record at Old Trafford over the last 10 years. I did once win on penalties with Southampton. It was the first FA Cup tie to be decided on penalties."
Shearer will be searching for his 100th premier league goal for Newcastle but insists victory is far more important than a personal milestone.
"It will give me greater satisfaction to get the three points than to score my 100th league goal for Newcastle," he added.
"My goal will come. Whether it will be Saturday or in a month's time or two months, it will come. It's just a matter of time so I am not concerned.
"What I am concerned about is going there and getting something out of the game which I feel we can."
The Newcastle squad features several highly rated youngsters but Shearer says the Manchester United example -- based around Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Gary and Phil Neville -- is the one they must emulate to be successful.
"The potential is here but whether it is to be great as Man United remains to be seen," Shearer added.
