Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham and other Manchester United icons paid their respects at the funeral of a legend in her own right on Monday: the club’s beloved former receptionist Kath Phipps.

Ruben Amorim and his squad – fresh from their inspired 2-2 draw with league leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday night – also attended the funeral service at Manchester Cathedral.  

Phipps worked for United for 56 years and was described as a ‘one-woman institution’ when the club announced her death aged 85 on December 5. 

Tributes poured in for Phipps at the time and it emerged that countless members of her ‘Manchester United family’ had visited her in the weeks leading up to her passing, including Sir Alex Ferguson.

The legendary United boss was seen arriving ahead of the ceremony at 2pm and delivered a eulogy for the former receptionist, who he described as a ‘wonderful lady’.

He added that he was ‘pleased the team got a result last night’, adding ‘Kath would be happy with that.’ 

‘When I went to see her at home towards the end, she was happy and content,’ he said. ‘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.’

Former United star Beckham also attended the funeral alongside his mother Sandra and told reporters the former staffer was the ‘the heartbeat of Manchester United.

‘The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford,’ he said. ‘Waiting to give me my tickets for the game.’ 

Current United manager Amorim led his playing squad into Manchester Cathedral, with captain Bruno Fernandes and club stalwart Jonny Evans at the front of the group. 

Players including Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Joshua Zirkzee were pictured wearing club suits for the occasion. 

Ex-United players Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, Bryan Robson, Nicky Butt, John O’Shea, Wes Brown, Phil Bardsley and Phil Jones were also in attendance. 

Jones, who joined the club at a young age from Blackburn, described Phipps as a ‘wonderful lady’, who was ‘the first face you would see’ on a morning at the club.

‘I am delighted to be here to give her what should be a fantastic send off.’

Phipps began working at United as the club’s first switchboard operator back in 1968 during Sir Matt Busby’s reign. In May 2022, after over five decades of service, she was honoured with a Service to Football Award.

‘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,’ read the club’s statement announcing her death. 

‘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.

‘For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.

‘If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.

‘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.’

United’s stars wore black armbands for their match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford in December in memory of her. 

Lots of United legends were eager to share their memories of Phipps, showing the immense impact she had had on the club. 

Beckham penned an emotional message on Instagram and accompanied his post with an image of himself holding Phipps’ hand by her bedside.

‘Forever in our hearts… 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,’ the former Red Devils star wrote. ‘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’, and from that first day till the last day I spent with her that’s exactly what she did ❤️.

‘Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors… We love you.’

Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney wrote: ‘The heart and soul of Manchester United. Everything what the club is about. A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.’

Defender Harry Maguire also posted and said: ‘A legend that will never be forgotten. I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath.’

Former Red Devils captain Gary Neville shared the club’s emotional tribute, simply adding a broken heart emoji.

Fellow ex-United skipper Patrice Evra, displaying a photograph of him hugging Phipps, said: ‘Losing a family member is never easy.’

Man United loanee Jadon Sancho – who currently plays for Chelsea – also wrote an emotional farewell to Phipps on social media.

Sancho wrote: ‘I’m grateful that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you. Such a lovely kind hearted soul. She always made sure I was ok and always put a smile on my face whenever I felt down, I appreciate you Kath.

‘My condolences go out to her family through this tough time’.

Former Red Devil Scott McTominay, now at Italian club Napoli, wrote: ‘You were loved and adored by everybody Kath. You made me smile each and every time I saw you and could brighten up any room you walked into. Rest in peace’.

Former Man United coach Mike Phelan – who worked alongside legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson – also paid a touching tribute to Phipps. He wrote: ‘RIP Kath Phipps. The Real Assistant Manager’.

United legend former captain Rio Ferdinand also shared a heartfelt message for Phipps on social media. He wrote: Kath. An absolute mainstay of Manchester United.

‘Always welcomed me and everyone else who visited with a warm smile! Looked at life positively, incredibly selfless & would put others first! RIP’.

Club legend Paul Scholes was another who shared an emotional tribute to Phipps. He wrote: ‘The heart and soul of our special football club, will be sadly missed by all and impossible to replace… RIP Kath’.

After picking up her Service to Football Award in 2022, Phipps told the Manchester United club website: ‘In September 1968, I just applied for the job to Les Olive and got it within a couple of days.

‘Sir Alex was my longest-serving manager. He’s always been there for me, every time. He’s absolutely brilliant to work for.

‘I don’t think we’ve ever had a cross word all these years I’ve known him. Even on matchdays. We’re like brother and sister – he talks to me like that.

‘I just get up every morning as a happy person. I come here and I just love seeing them all. I’ll miss them one day, when I’m not here, but I don’t want to give it up just yet.’