Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to beloved former Manchester United receptionist Kath Phipps at a funeral service held on Monday.
Phipps worked for United for over 55 years and was described as a ‘one-woman institution’ when the club announced her death aged 85 on December 5.
Monday’s service, held at Manchester Cathedral, was attended by a litany of former United legends, including Ferguson and David Beckham, as well as the entire Red Devils current squad.
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 Ferguson.
Indeed the legendary former boss paid his own tribute to Phipps at the service, and shared a heart-warming anecdote with those in attendance in a bid to share a little bit of the person she was.
He said he was ‘pleased the team got a result last night’ in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield, adding ‘Kath would be happy with that’.
Sir Alex Ferguson (back right) paid homage to Kath Phipps when attending her funeral on Monday
The legendary former Manchester United boss had been in attendance at Anfield for the Liverpool clash
David Beckham was also in attendance along with a litany of former United legends
‘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.’
Current United manager Ruben 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, 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 pictured with ex-United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (left) and Michael Carrick (right)
The long-serving receptionist meeting new Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2024
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.’
Beckham penned an emotional message on Instagram and accompanied his post with an image of himself holding Phipps’ hand by her bedside.
Manchester United’s much-loved former receptionist Kath Phipps died aged 85 in December
‘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.’