‘The utmost respect for him’: Alex Ferguson pays tribute to Kevin Keegan

Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Kevin Keegan, describing the former Newcastle United manager as someone he held in “the utmost respect” and crediting him with helping build one of the club’s finest sides.

Keegan, who had cancer, died on Monday at the age of 75, prompting tributes from across football. Ferguson, whose Manchester United and Keegan’s Newcastle were at the heart of a fierce Premier League title rivalry in the 1990s, said their battles never diminished his admiration for the man and the job he did at St James’ Park.

Speaking to Track Radio, Ferguson said Newcastle under Keegan were “fantastic” and said the manager “re-energised that club.” He added that Keegan brought the kind of enthusiasm and energy that can connect with supporters in a special way, saying the love of the game seemed to come through in the way he carried himself.

The two managers were central figures in one of the most memorable title races of the Premier League era. Ferguson’s United ultimately edged Newcastle to the championship in 1996, but the rivalry was defined by respect as well as intensity. Ferguson’s comments now add to the stream of tributes following Keegan’s death, reflecting the impact he had both as a player and a manager.

Keegan remains one of the most recognisable figures in English football, admired for his attacking style, his passionate personality and his influence on the clubs he led. In Ferguson’s view, his Newcastle side stood out as the best team the club had produced.

This report is based on a monitored public feed. Source attribution: The Guardian Football.

Source: The Guardian Football - https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/21/alex-ferguson-pays-tribute-kevin-keegan-newcastle