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Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Kevin Keegan, describing the late Newcastle United boss as the man who built the club’s “greatest team” after his death at the age of 75.
Keegan, who passed away on Monday following a battle with cancer, was remembered across the football world as one of the sport’s most charismatic figures. Ferguson joined the tributes, reflecting on the intense rivalry the pair shared during Newcastle’s famous Premier League title challenge in the 1995/96 season.
The two managers were at the centre of one of English football’s most memorable title battles, with Manchester United eventually overtaking Newcastle to win the league. The rivalry became heated after Ferguson made comments in the media that frustrated Keegan, leading to the Newcastle manager’s famous emotional television outburst.
Despite the tension, Ferguson said he maintained deep respect for Keegan and admired the transformation he delivered at St James’ Park.
“I had the utmost respect for him. We had many duels when he was manager of Newcastle, but I have to say the job he did at Newcastle was fantastic,” Ferguson told Track Radio.
“He re-energised that club and he brought that enthusiasm and fanaticism that great supporters can give. That’s the job he did.”
Keegan inherited a Newcastle side struggling near the bottom of the football pyramid and guided them away from relegation before securing promotion back to the Premier League in 1993. His attacking style and ambitious recruitment turned the club into one of the league’s most entertaining teams, earning them the nickname “the entertainers”.
Ferguson highlighted Keegan’s signings of David Ginola, Faustino Asprilla and Philippe Albert as key additions that elevated Newcastle’s quality.
“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,” Ferguson said.
Although Newcastle missed out on the Premier League title after surrendering a 12-point lead, Ferguson said Keegan’s legacy remained intact. He also recalled a moment when their rivalry was set aside, revealing that the pair later shared an evening together at a pub near Wentworth Golf Club, where they enjoyed music and conversation.
“The great thing about him, he held no grudges. That was a fantastic quality he had and we had a great night,” Ferguson said.
For Ferguson, Keegan’s greatest achievement was not just building a competitive Newcastle side, but restoring belief, excitement and connection between the club and its supporters.
