Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe 1995/96 Premier League title race remains one of the most iconic in English football history, one where on-pitch drama was met with psychological warfare off it.At the heart of the battle were two titans of the game, as Kevin Keegan took his thrilling Newcastle United side up against Sir Alex Fergusons Manchester United team, who had were looking to reclaim the title following Blackburn Rovers 1995 success.Perhaps the defining moment of that title race was the I would love it rant, delivered by Keegan, a moment that perfectly captured the Magpies chiefs passion and the pressure he was under.Pick the ultimate 4-4-2 line-up from players in FourFourTwo's definitive Top 100 ListKeegan on his relationship with FergusonThe immediate aftermath of that interview and the title race, which saw Manchester United complete a turnaround after being 12 points behind Newcastle in January, had left a palpable tension between the pair,For a day or two I really disliked him, Keegan recalled to FourFourTwo in 2007, more than a decade after the height of the pairs rivalry. You may like "Sir Alex Ferguson crossed a line, and therein lies the difference between me and him, thats how he won 13 league titles and I won none" Kevin Keegan on Newcastle United's 1995/96 Premier League challenge 30 years on from the 'Love it' rant I shook Alex Fergusons hand after I beat him 5-0, but Eric Cantona was the only one that spoke to me. He shook my hand and said: F**king great team Kevin Keegans greatest memory as Newcastle United manager Why did Kevin Keegan scrap the Newcastle United reserve team in the mid 90s? One of the great man's most controversial moments revisited Time would prove to be a healer for Keegan, who admitted that their fierce rivalry was softened by mutual respect and shared experiences.I wouldnt say were close now, but we have talked a lot, Keegan explained. "Ive sold players to him, hes sold players to me, Ive done charity things for him, hes done them for me.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Keegan also showed some of that trademark wit which was remembered in the countless tributes paid to him following his passing last July.But if youre asking me, do I love him [Laughs] I totally respect him. Hes managed a huge club for 20 years.Keegan would also point to his personal record against Ferguson with pride.Ive got a terrific record against Alex Ferguson compared with most people, too, he continued. It probably isnt level, but Ive managed teams that have beaten his 5-0, 4-1, 3-1. Two Manchester derbies.So Id say Ive come out relatively well against him.TOPICSKevin KeeganNewcastle UnitedPremier LeagueJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromNick Moore
