David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson join Man Utd stars past and present for funeral of beloved receptionist Kath Phipps
MANCHESTER UNITED stars past and present paid their respects to Kath Phipps at her funeral.
The much-loved former Old Trafford receptionist died last month at the age of 85.
Phipps worked at the club since the 1960s and joined as a switchboard operator when Sir Matt Busby was manager.
David Beckham was among those spotted arriving for the ceremony at Manchester Cathedral on Monday afternoon.
The former United star, 49, visited Kath in her final days.
He was accompanied into the cathedral today by his mother Sandra and dad Ted.
Following the sad news of Phipps’ passing, Beckham posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying: “The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game.
“She was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her.
“I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad ‘I’ll look after your boy for you don’t you worry.'”
Ruben Amorim‘s entire first-team squad were also in attendance at the funeral, with legendary United boss Sir Alex Ferguson giving a eulogy.
The current manager led the squad inside, followed by club captain Bruno Fernandes and veteran defender Jonny Evans, who first joined United in 2004.
Members of the women’s team and club’s hierarchy – including Ella Toone, Maya Le Tissier, Sir Dave Brailsford and Omar Berrada – were pictured making their way in.
Past stars including Gary Neville, Peter Schmeichel, Bryan Robson, Roy Keane, Mark Hughes, Paul Parker and Paul Scholes also paid their respects on a rainy day in the North West.
The 50-minute funeral – described as a “service of thanksgiving” for Phipps’ life – started at approximately 2pm after pallbearers carried her coffin in.
Abide With Me was among the hymns played after Ferguson’s emotional address.
Fergie described Kath as a “wonderful lady” and even referenced yesterday’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool as well as remembering one of the final times he visited her home.
The ex-Old Trafford boss said: “I was pleased the team got a result last night… Kath would be happy with that.
“When I went to see her at home towards the end, she was happy and content. I thought she had a Coke to drink.
“She told me it was a Bacardi and Coke. I asked her what the doctor would think about that. She said, ‘I haven’t asked him.’
“It is unusual to have someone who is so committed and who loved people so much.
“The people you see here today are here to honour a very special person.”
As reported by the BBC, Evans added: “She was the best on a good day and the best on a bad day.
“Not one person ever walked past Kath without a short embrace. When she came back to work at the start of the summer I gave her a lift home. It was like driving royalty.”
United paid tribute to Phipps last month, with the club expressing its “heartbreak” in a statement.
It read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.
“An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.
“Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes.
“Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her.
“She said last year, ‘I can’t imagine doing anything else.’ Well, we can’t imagine the place without her. Rest in peace, Kath.”