Beckham and Sir Alex among Manchester United legends attending funeral of receptionist Kath Phipps

Video Report by David Chisnall

Manchester United legends past and present came out in force to attend the funeral of the club's long-serving receptionist and "one-woman institution", who died aged 85 in December.

Kath Phipps was known as the "face of Carrington", having worked for the club for over 55 years at both Old Trafford and Manchester United's training grounds.

When Irlam-born receptionist's husband, Richard, passed away Sir Alex Ferguson and the entire United squad attended his funeral in solidarity with Kath.

They turned out once again to say goodbye to her.

The funeral took place at Manchester Cathedral at 2pm on Monday 6 January. Ruben Amorim, Bruno Fernandes and Jonny Evans were among the first to arrive, along with United's current crop of players.

Former manager Sir Alex Ferguson was also in attendance, he read a eulogy in Kath's honour and when asked about it he said "I wanted to do that but I was nervous because she deserved something really special."

Ole Gunnar Solskjær told the press of how great Kath's hugs were and how important she was to United, he said: "You can see today with how many that turned up, how much it meant for everyone."

The likes of David Beckham, John O'Shea, Phil Bardsley, Wes Brown, Nicky Butt and Roy Keane were also in attendance.

Kath Phipps worked at the club for more than 55 years .

The lifelong Reds fan was described as an immensely popular figure with everyone at the club, which she joined as a telephone switchboard operator in September 1968.

Originally stationed at Old Trafford, former manager Sir Alex Ferguson brought her to the club's Carrington training ground in 2000 where she worked as a receptionist.

During 2020’s mid-pandemic lockdown, Kath was visited at home by players and staff members who wanted to ensure she had company.

Kath won the League Managers Association’s Service to Football award in 2022, presented to by legend Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I don’t think I’ve had one cross word with anybody in all the years I’ve been here,” Kath said in a 2023 interview, marking her 55th anniversary at the club.

“I look forward to coming in and having a smile on my face every day, wishing people ‘good morning’. I just enjoy being here.

"Not everybody can say they enjoy going to work but I do. Football has been my life.”