Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Kevin Keegan for assembling what he described as Newcastle's top team ever. After Keegan passed away on Monday aged 75 following his cancer battle, Ferguson added his respects to the many tributes for this cherished personality in football.

Ferguson and Keegan engaged in an intense contest for Premier League dominance, where Ferguson's Manchester United edged Newcastle out for the championship in 1996. "I held the highest regard for him," Ferguson shared with Track Radio. "We faced several clashes during his time leading Newcastle, yet the work he accomplished there was remarkable. He revitalized the club and instilled the passion and zeal that its devoted fans provide.

He also introduced three outstanding talents to the squad - Ginola, Asprilla and Philippe Albert - bringing extra quality to the side. The competitions we encountered against Newcastle back then were significant."

Keegan, irritated by Ferguson's media remarks near the close of the tight title race, famously vented about the Scot in a broadcast interview. Nevertheless, Ferguson stayed on good terms with the ex-Liverpool and England forward and respected the impressive revival Keegan achieved at Newcastle.

The team faced the threat of dropping to the third division when Keegan arrived, yet he averted that and secured promotion to the Premier League in 1993. Under Keegan, Newcastle became so vibrant they earned the nickname "the entertainers".

Ferguson considers the runners-up in that title chase as the club's greatest side. "Kevin wore his passion for the sport openly, without doubt, and that enthusiasm spread to the supporters and the players," he noted. "That era at Newcastle was filled with feeling and thrill. They recruited these star players and enhanced the squad, resulting in what I believe was Newcastle's finest team."

Ferguson recalled meeting Keegan at a pub close to Wentworth golf club shortly after that season. They enjoyed an evening by the piano, setting aside their rivalry. "The best part about him was that he bore no ill will," Ferguson remarked. "That was a wonderful trait he possessed and we had a memorable evening.

Whatever occurred in the prior weeks was quickly put behind us. I truly admired him for that."