Sir Alex Ferguson has paid a heartfelt tribute to Kevin Keegan, describing the former Newcastle manager as someone who built the club's 'greatest team' and carried 'the love of the game on his sleeve'. Keegan died on Monday at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer, prompting an outpouring of respect from the football world.
Ferguson recalls fierce title battles
Ferguson and Keegan were involved in a memorable duel for the Premier League title in the 1995-96 season, with Ferguson's Manchester United pipping Keegan's Newcastle to the championship. 'I had the utmost respect for him,' Ferguson told Track Radio. 'We had many duels when he was manager of Newcastle, but the job he did at Newcastle was fantastic. He re-energised that club and he brought that enthusiasm and fanaticism great supporters can give.'
Keegan's Newcastle side, known as 'the entertainers', finished as runners-up that season. Ferguson highlighted Keegan's signings – David Ginola, Faustino Asprilla and Philippe Albert – as key to adding class to the team. 'The challenges we had with Newcastle at that time were huge,' Ferguson added.
Keegan's transformative impact at Newcastle
When Keegan took over at Newcastle, the club were in danger of relegation to the third tier. He saved them from that fate and led them to promotion to the Premier League in 1993. Ferguson believes the title runners-up were the best team in the club's history. 'Kevin carried the love of the game on his sleeve, there's no question about that, and that carried right on to the fans, to the players,' he said. 'That period at Newcastle was of emotion, it was excitement. They brought these great players to the club and they added to it, and it gave Newcastle – I think – their best ever team.'
Ferguson recalls friendly encounter after rivalry
Despite the intense rivalry, which included Keegan's famous rant at Ferguson on live television, the two remained friendly. Ferguson recalled meeting Keegan at a pub near Wentworth golf club a few weeks after the season ended. 'The great thing about him, he held no grudges,' Ferguson said. 'That was a fantastic quality he had and we had a great night. All aside whatever happened in previous weeks, that was soon forgotten. I really respected him for that.'
