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Sir Alex Ferguson has delivered a deeply emotional tribute to his long-time managerial adversary Kevin Keegan, following the former Newcastle United manager’s passing at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer.

The iconic Manchester United manager, who famously faced Keegan’s passionate “I’d love it, absolutely love it, if we beat them” outburst during the 1995-96 title race, expressed immense admiration for the man he credited with building Newcastle’s “best ever team”.

In a conversation with Track Radio, Ferguson remarked: “I had the utmost respect for him. We had many duels when he was in charge of Newcastle, but I must say the job he did there was outstanding.

“He revitalised that club and brought with him the enthusiasm and passion that true supporters inspire. That’s exactly what he achieved.”

Ferguson’s Manchester United famously overtook Keegan’s Newcastle United to win the 1995-96 Premier League title. Reflecting on that period, he added: “He also signed three exceptional players – David Ginola, Faustino Asprilla, and Philippe Albert – adding real class and flair to the squad. The challenges we had against Newcastle during that time were immense.”

“Kevin wore his love for the game on his sleeve, with no doubt about that, and that emotion transferred to the fans and the players,” Ferguson continued. “That era at Newcastle was filled with excitement and emotion. Those players elevated the club, and I believe that was Newcastle’s best ever team.”

That passion famously erupted in April 1996 when, as Ferguson’s United chased down Keegan’s Newcastle at the top of the Premier League – eventually overtaking them to clinch the title – the former England striker made his emotional televised outburst during a Sky Sports interview.

Despite the heated rivalry, Ferguson revealed that the two managers later met by chance at a pub near Wentworth Golf Club a few weeks after the season ended and spent the evening around a piano, setting aside any football tensions.

Ferguson recalled: “The great thing about Kevin was that he never held grudges. It was a remarkable trait of his, and we had a wonderful evening together. Whatever had happened in the weeks before was quickly forgotten. I truly respected him for that.”

News of Keegan’s death, announced on Monday, has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the football world for the former forward who represented Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, and Newcastle United with distinction.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe placed flowers outside St James’ Park, where numerous fans gathered to pay their respects to the beloved former player and manager.

Sir Trevor Brooking, who played alongside Keegan for England, shared his grief in a heartfelt statement: “I am deeply saddened to hear the devastating news about my friend and former team-mate Kevin Keegan.”

“My friendship with Kevin goes back many years to our days playing for England. We developed a strong understanding on the pitch, almost knowing instinctively what the other would do. Kevin loved to run into space, and I would time my passes to help him make the most of his incredible talent in front of goal.”

“We used to share rooms during England duty, and Kevin, with his lively personality, was always ready with a joke—often at my expense!” Brooking added with affection.

“I recently met Kevin and his wife Jean for lunch during their visit to London. Although it had been some time since we last met, we picked up our conversation as if no time had passed. That afternoon, reminiscing about our football days, is one I will always cherish.”

“Our thoughts and love are with Jean, Laura, Sarah, and all of Kevin’s family during this difficult time.”