ALAN Shearer is regarded as a hero in some quarters for being the only man to do what many fans say they would given the chance and turn down a move to Manchester United.

In fact, Shearer did not snub Alex Ferguson's advances once but twice.

But Rio Ferdinand would have been well advised to note what happened next while he was considering whether to join United this week.

For while Shearer could have gone on to win seven Premiership titles, a Champions League and three FA Cups with United, he has had to settle for one domestic honour, a Premiership title success.