Newcastle United host Manchester United on Sunday evening, though unlike the battles of yesteryear this weekend’s clash will be a battle between two sides struggling for an identity.
Towards the beginning of the Premier League era, the two clubs were vying for the title and sparks famously flew between Sir Alex Ferguson and Kevin Keegan.
This was the first in a chain of events throughout the years the two clubs continued the unlikeliest of rivalries.
Keegan’s famous rant
One of the first concrete examples of Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous mind games working their magic, Kevin Keegan’s rant is still as good today as it was 23 years ago.
(Image: SkySports)
Ferguson had suggested in the press that other sides did not try as hard against Newcastle as they did Manchester United.
Keegan though, fell completely into the trap, and delivered an emotional speech to the camera.
“You can tell him now, we’re still fighting for this title and he’s got to go to Middlesbrough and get something – and I’ll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them. Love it.”
Keegan had completely lost his cool and inevitably, Ferguson’s United went on to win the league.
‘Wee club in the North East’
Times may have shifted since Newcastle were a genuine threat at the top of the table, but that didn’t stop Fergie poking fun at his former rivals in 2012.
During a disagreement aired via the press with then-Newcastle manager Alan Pardew, Fergie delivered a thinly-veiled dig at the size of Newcastle.
(Image: Stu Forster)
“Alan Pardew’s come out and criticised me,” said Ferguson.
“Alan Pardew’s the worst, his whole staff for criticising and haranguing the referee. He was at it the whole game on Wednesday.
“He shoves the referee and makes a joke of it and he’s got the cheek to criticise me – it’s unbelievable.
“It’s unfortunate – I carry that because I’m the manager of the most famous club in the world. I’m not at Newcastle, a wee club in the North East.”
Alan Shearer and the Man Utd transfer that never happened
During the glory days under Ferguson Man Utd could seemingly sign whoever they liked – but they never managed to get Alan Shearer.
(Image: Getty)
The former Newcastle and England captain has confirmed that the Red Devils made an approach for him, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I had a call from someone at Manchester United, said Shearer. “They said they’d heard about the talks and they were interested.”
But Shearer had already made a promise to Newcastle, and upon telling Man Utd that he needed an answer within three days, they never returned. Newcastle fans still sing about it to this day.
