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Keegan’s outburst during the title run-in still stands as one of the most iconic off-field moments in Premier League history.

The 1995/96 Premier League title race remains one of the most memorable battles in English football history, with the drama on the pitch matched by a psychological contest away from it.

At the centre of that fight were two giants of the game, with Kevin Keegan leading his exciting Newcastle United side against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, who were aiming to win back the title after Blackburn Rovers’ triumph in 1995.

Arguably the defining moment of that title race was Keegan’s famous ‘I would love it’ rant, a flashpoint that perfectly reflected the Newcastle boss’s passion and the immense pressure he was facing.

In the immediate aftermath of that interview and the title race itself — which ended with Manchester United completing a comeback after trailing Newcastle by 12 points in January — there was clear tension between the two men.

“For a day or two I really disliked him,” Keegan recalled to FourFourTwo in 2007, more than 10 years after the rivalry between the pair had reached its peak.

With time, however, Keegan admitted that the bitterness faded, replaced by mutual respect and the bond that comes from shared experiences in the game.

“I wouldn’t say we’re close now, but we have talked a lot,” Keegan said. “I’ve sold players to him, he’s sold players to me, I’ve done charity things for him, he’s done them for me.”

Keegan also displayed the trademark humour that was fondly remembered in the many tributes paid to him after his passing last July.

“But if you’re asking me, do I love him… [Laughs] I totally respect him. He’s managed a huge club for 20 years.”

Keegan also spoke with pride about his own record against Ferguson.

“I’ve got a terrific record against Alex Ferguson compared with most people, too,” he continued. “It probably isn’t level, but I’ve managed teams that have beaten his 5-0, 4-1, 3-1. Two Manchester derbies.

“So I’d say I’ve come out relatively well against him.”