Former and current MANCHESTER UNITED stars have paid tribute to Kath Phipps at her funeral.
The beloved former Old Trafford receptionist died last month aged 85.
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David Beckham joins mourners at Kath Phipps funeral Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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He was accompanied by his parents Sandra and TedCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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Beckham posted an emotional tribute to the beloved receptionist after her deathCredit: Beckham/Netflix
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Sir Alex Ferguson and former kitman Albert Morgan were among the first to arrive Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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Ruben Amorim led his players to Manchester Cathedral Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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The entire playing squad was present in club kit – including Marcus Rashford Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
Phipps has worked at the club since the 1960s and joined as switchboard operator when Sir Matt Busby was manager.
David Beckham was among those spotted arriving at the ceremony at Manchester Cathedral on Monday afternoon.
The former United star, 49, visited Kath in her final days.
Today, his mother Sandra and father Ted accompanied him to the cathedral.
Following the sad news of Phipps’ death, Beckham posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying: “The first and last face I would always see was Kath sitting in reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me tickets for the game.
“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 promised my mum and dad ‘I’ll look after your boy for you, don’t 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 team, followed by club captain Bruno Fernandes and veteran defender Jonny Evans, who first joined United in 2004.
Members of the women’s team and the club’s hierarchy – including Ella Toone, Maya Le Tissier, Sir Dave Brailsford and Omar Berrada – were filmed making their entrance.
Man Utd pay emotional tribute to beloved receptionist Kath Phipps following her tragic death aged 85
Past stars including Gary Neville, Peter Schmeichel, Bryan Robson, Roy Keane, Mark Hughes, Paul Parker and Paul Scholes also paid tribute on a rainy day in the North West.
The 50-minute funeral – described as a “thanksgiving service” for Phipps’ life – began at about 2pm after pallbearers brought in her coffin.
Abide With Me was among the songs played after Ferguson’s emotional address.
Fergie described Kath as a “beautiful lady” and even made reference to yesterday’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool, as well as recalling one of the last times he visited her home.
The former Old Trafford boss said: “I was pleased with the team’s result last night… Kath would have been pleased with that.
“When I went to see her at home towards the end, she was happy and satisfied. I thought he had a Coke to drink.
“She told me it was Bacardi and Coke. I asked her what the doctor would think about it. She said, ‘I didn’t ask him.’
“It’s unusual to have someone who is so dedicated and who loved people so much.
“The people you see here today are here to pay tribute to a very special person.”
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Sir Alex Ferguson read a moving eulogy for Phipps
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She joined the club in the 1960s and was a favorite receptionist Credit: Getty
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United players held up a banner for Kath at Old Trafford on December 7 Credit: Getty
According to the BBC, Evans added: “She was the best on a good day and the best on a bad day.
“Not a single person ever walked past Kath without a quick hug. When she returned to work at the beginning of the summer, I gave her a ride home. It was like driving royalty.”
United paid tribute to Phipps last month, with the club expressing their “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 far beyond any particular job.
“Becoming a key member of the club’s office staff over the following years, Kath later became a fixture at the Old Trafford directors’ entrance on match days and took on the role of receptionist at the training ground, ensuring that every visitor to Carrington was greeted with 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.
“Last year she said, ‘I can’t imagine doing anything else.’ Well, we can’t imagine the place without her, Rest in Peace, Kath.”
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It was a sad day for the team as they said their final goodbyes to an icon of the club Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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The players attended less than 24 hours after the 2-2 draw at Liverpool Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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Ella Toone, Maya Le Tissier and the ladies team also attended Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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Nicky Butt and Roy Keane arrived together Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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Sir Dave Brailsford also paid tribute Credits: Eamonn and James Clarke
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Chief executive Omar Berrada wore a red United tie alongside his colleagues Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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John O’Shea, Wes Brown and Phil Bardsley reunited for service Credits: Eamonn and James Clarke
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Bryan Robson captained the club while Kath worked on reception Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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Peter Schmeichel spent eight years at Old Trafford Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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Paul Scholes grew up at United knowing PhippsCredits: Eamonn and James Clarke
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Paul Parker headed to the cathedralCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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Dave Gardner was in United’s academy and has been close friends with Beckham ever since Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton joined the mourners Credit: Eamonn and James Clarke
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