"I had the utmost respect for him": Alex Ferguson pays tribute to Kevin Keegan

Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Kevin Keegan after the former manager’s death on Monday at the age of 75. Ferguson highlighted the impact Keegan had at Newcastle, saying he built the club’s “greatest team” and praising his contribution to the game.

Keegan, who had cancer, was remembered by figures across football as one of the sport’s most endearing characters. Ferguson and Keegan shared a notable rivalry in the 1990s, their teams contesting the highest honours in English football. That confrontation reached its peak in 1996, when Ferguson’s Manchester United narrowly beat Newcastle to the title. In his remarks, Ferguson joined other tributes paying respect to Keegan’s life and career.

Ferguson spoke about Keegan on Track Radio, underlining his personal regard. “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.”

The former Manchester United manager emphasised the competitive nature of their encounters without diminishing Keegan’s achievements. Ferguson noted how Keegan’s approach energized both the club and its fans, turning Newcastle into a team that captured widespread attention. Those traits helped define Keegan’s standing within the game and why his passing prompted widespread commentary.

The rivalry between the two managers remains a defining memory from the early Premier League era. Ferguson’s United and Keegan’s Newcastle were closely matched for honours and public attention, with the 1996 title race becoming part of both clubs’ modern histories. That era is often cited when reflecting on Keegan’s influence as a manager and public figure.

Tributes to Keegan emphasised his personality as much as his footballing record, with many recalling the warmth and passion he displayed throughout his career. Ferguson’s comments were part of a wider outpouring of respect from former players, managers and supporters. The combination of Keegan’s achievements and his character ensured his passing was widely mourned.

Ferguson’s tribute reiterated the esteem in which Keegan was held by peers and rivals alike. The remarks serve as a public acknowledgement of Keegan’s contribution to Newcastle and to English football.