Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham and other Manchester United icons paid their respects at the funeral of a legend in his own right on Monday – the club's beloved former receptionist Kath Phipps.
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 before her death, including Sir Alex Ferguson.
The legendary United manager was seen arriving before the ceremony at 2pm and was followed by Beckham and John O'Shea.
United hero Beckham attended Monday's funeral alongside his mother Sandra and told reporters the former employee was “the heartbeat of Manchester United”.
“The first and last face I always saw was Kath sitting in the reception at Old Trafford,” he said. “Hoping to give me my tickets to the game.”
Sir Alex Ferguson attended the funeral of Kath Phipps on Monday afternoon at Manchester Cathedral.
Ruben Amorim led his Man United playing team to the ceremony on Monday.
Beloved former Manchester United receptionist Kath Phipps died aged 85 in December
Current United manager Ruben Amorim led his playing team to Manchester Cathedral, with captain Bruno Fernandes and club stalwart Jonny Evans leading the group.
Former United player Phil Jones attended. He described Phipps as a “wonderful lady”, who was “the first face you would see” on a morning at the club.
“I'm delighted to be here to give him what should be a fantastic farewell.”
Phipps began working at United as the club's first telephone operator back in 1968, during the reign of Sir Matt Busby. In May 2022, after more than five decades of service, she was honored with the Service to Football Award.
“A ubiquitous figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for more than 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job,” it reads. in the club's statement announcing his death.
“Having become a key member of the club's office staff in subsequent years, Kath later became a fixture in the Old Trafford directors' lobby on match days and took on the role of training ground receptionist. , ensuring that any visitor to Carrington would be greeted by the happiest of welcomes.
'For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats, as Kath came to embody the family atmosphere that underpins 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 listen and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them, whether they were superstar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.
'Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by all 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 it.
“Rest in peace, Kath.”
United stars wore black armbands in their match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford in December in memory of her.
Many United legends were keen to share their memories of Phipps, showing the immense impact he had had on the club.
Phipps, who appeared in David Beckham's Netflix documentary, began working at Man United as the club's first telephone operator back in 1968.
Phipps pictured with former Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (left) and Michael Carrick (right)
Wayne Rooney was one of the first to pay tribute to Phipps with an emotional post on Instagram
Harry Maguire (left) and Patrice Evra (right) also paid tribute with heartfelt messages on social media.
Jadon Sancho and Scott McTominay took to social media to pay tribute to Phipps
Beckham wrote an emotional message on Instagram and accompanied his post with an image of himself holding Phipps' hand next to his bed.
“Forever in our hearts… The first and last face I would ever see was Kath sitting in the reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the match,” the former Red Devils star wrote. “She was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her.
“I moved to Manchester when I was 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad: 'I'll look after your son, don't worry,' and from that first day to the last day I spent with her, that was it. “. exactly what he did ❤️.
“Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile when we walk through those doors… We love you.”
Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney wrote: 'The heart and soul of Manchester United. Everything that is the club. 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 who will never be forgotten. I'll 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 former United captain Patrice Evra, showing a photograph of him hugging Phipps, said: “Losing a family member is never easy.”
United legend Paul Scholes described Phipps as “the heart and soul” of the football club.
Long-serving receptionist to meet new Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2024
Former United defender Ferdinand called Phipps “an absolute pillar” at the Red Devils
Former Man United assistant coach Mike Phelan shared a touching tribute to Phipps online
Man United loanee Jadon Sancho, who currently plays for Chelsea, also wrote an emotional farewell to Phipps on social media.
Sancho wrote: 'I am grateful to have had the pleasure of meeting you. Such a lovely, kind-hearted soul. She always made sure I was okay and always put a smile on my face whenever I was feeling down. I appreciate it, Kath.
“My deepest condolences to his family at this difficult time.”
Former Red Devil Scott McTominay, now with Italian club Napoli, wrote: 'Everyone loved and adored you, Kath. You made me smile every time I saw you and you could brighten any room you walked into. May you rest in peace.'
Former Man United manager Mike Phelan, who worked alongside legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, also paid a moving tribute to Phipps. He wrote: 'RIP Kath Phipps. The real deputy director'.
Former United legend captain Rio Ferdinand also shared a heartfelt message for Phipps on social media. He wrote: Kath. An absolute pillar of Manchester United.
'They always welcomed me and everyone who visited us with a warm smile! She looks at life positively, incredibly selflessly and puts others first! RIP'.
Club legend Paul Scholes was another who shared a touching tribute to Phipps. He wrote: “The heart and soul of our special football club will be sadly missed by all and will be impossible to replace… RIP Kath.”
United released an emotional tribute to Phipps in the form of a two-minute video online
After receiving his Service to Football Award in 2022, Phipps told the Manchester United club website: “In September 1968, I applied for the job at Les Olive and got it within a couple of days.
'Sir Alex was my longest serving manager. He has always been there for me, at all times. He is absolutely brilliant to work for.
“I don't think we've had any cross words in all these years that I've known him. Even on match days. We're like brother and sister; he talks to me like that.
'I wake up every morning a happy person. I come here and I love seeing everyone. I'll miss them someday, when I'm not here, but I don't want to give it up just yet.'