Alex Ferguson leads tributes to fierce late rival Kevin Keegan

Keegan's death at the age of 75, following a battle with cancer, has led to an outpouring of tributes from across football, with Ferguson among those reflecting on the impact made by his former managerial rival.

The pair were at the centre of one of the Premier League's most memorable title battles during the 1995-96 season, when Ferguson's Manchester United overturned Newcastle's 12-point lead to claim the championship.

Keegan's emotional "I'd love it, absolutely love it, if we beat them" outburst, aimed at Ferguson during the title race, became one of the defining moments of that campaign.

Despite their fierce competition, Ferguson insisted there was always deep respect between the two men.

"I had the utmost respect for him," Ferguson told Track Radio. "We had many duels when he was manager of Newcastle, but I have to say the job he did at Newcastle was fantastic."

Ferguson praised Keegan for transforming Newcastle after taking charge in 1992, guiding them back to the Premier League and turning them into genuine title challengers.

"He re-energised that club and he brought that enthusiasm and fanaticism that great supporters can give," Ferguson said.

"He also brought three great players to the club - David Ginola, Faustino Asprilla, Philippe Albert - and added a bit of class to the team.

"The challenges we had with Newcastle at that time at United were huge."

Keegan's Newcastle side became known for their attacking football and passionate style, with Ferguson believing the manager's personality was central to their success.

"Kevin carried the love of the game on his sleeve, there's no question about that, and that carried right on to the fans and the players," he said.

"That period at Newcastle was emotion, it was excitement. They brought these great players to the club too and they added to it, and it gave Newcastle, I think, their best ever team."

Ferguson also revealed that their rivalry did not damage their relationship, recalling a meeting after the 1995-96 season when the pair put football differences aside.

The former United manager said they met at a pub near Wentworth Golf Club a few weeks after the season ended and spent the evening together around a piano.

"The great thing about him, he held no grudges. That was a fantastic quality he had and we had a great night," Ferguson said.

"All aside whatever happened in previous weeks, that was soon forgotten. I really respected him for that."

Keegan enjoyed a legendary career both as a player and manager. He won league titles, the European Cup and UEFA Cups with Liverpool, before claiming back-to-back Ballon d'Or awards in 1978 and 1979 during his spell with Hamburg.

He later managed Newcastle, Fulham, Manchester City and England, while also becoming one of the most influential figures in Newcastle's history.

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer, who was signed by Keegan for a world-record 15 million pound fee in 1996, described him as a special figure.

"He was my friend. A man everyone loved. For his passion. For his energy but most of all for his friendship," Shearer said.

"He loved football and he loved Newcastle more than anything. I'm so honoured to have known him. We will miss you Kevin."

Current Newcastle manager Eddie Howe also paid tribute, revealing Keegan offered him support after he took charge of the club in 2021.

"Kevin was an inspiration to me as a young player and, I'm honoured to say, a friend whose guidance and support meant a great deal in recent years," Howe said.

"He understood better than most the privilege and responsibility of leading Newcastle United."

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish described Keegan as "one of the very best players of his generation", while former team-mate Phil Thompson said his character was what stood out most.

"He was a lovely man and that is above all his footballing exploits," Thompson said. "Humility poured out of Kevin's veins."

Keegan's legacy stretches far beyond his achievements on the pitch, with Ferguson's tribute highlighting the passion, excitement and connection he brought to football throughout his career.

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