MANCHESTER UNITED stars past and present paid their respects to Kath Phipps at her funeral.
The much-loved former Old Trafford receptionist died last month at the age of 85.
Eamonn and James ClarkeDavid Beckham joined mourners at Kath Phipps’ funeral[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkeHe was accompanied by his parents Sandra and Ted[/caption]
Beckham/NetflixBeckham posted an emotional tribute to the beloved receptionist following her death[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkeSir Alex Ferguson was among the first guests to arrive[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkeRuben Amorim led his players into Manchester Cathedral[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkeThe entire playing squad was in attendance wearing club suits – including Marcus Rashford[/caption]
Phipps worked at the club since the 1960s and joined as a switchboard operator when Sir Matt Busby was manager.
David Beckham was among those spotted arriving for the ceremony at Manchester Cathedral on Monday afternoon.
The former United star, 49, visited Kath in her final days.
He was accompanied into the cathedral today by his mother Sandra and dad Ted.
Following the sad news of Phipps’ passing, Beckham posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, saying: “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.
“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.’”
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 squad inside, followed by club captain Bruno Fernandes and veteran defender Jonny Evans, who first joined United in 2004.
Members of the women’s team and club’s hierarchy – including Ella Toone, Maya Le Tissier, Sir Dave Brailsford and Omar Berrada – were also pictured making their way in.
Past stars including Gary Neville, Peter Schmeichel, Bryan Robson, Roy Keane, Mark Hughes, Paul Parker and Paul Scholes also paid their respects on a rainy day in the North West.
United paid tribute to Phipps last month, with the club expressing its “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 beyond any particular job title.
“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.
“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.”
Sir Alex Ferguson read a touching eulogy to Phipps
GettyShe joined the club in the 1960s and was the much-loved receptionist[/caption]
GettyUnited players help up a banner for Kath at Old Trafford on December 7[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkeIt was a sad day for the squad as they said their final goodbyes to the club icon[/caption]
The players attended less than 24 hours after drawing 2-2 at LiverpoolEamonn and James Clarke
Eamonn and James ClarkeElla Toone, Maya Le Tissier and the women’s team also attended[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkeNicky Butt and Roy Keane arrived together[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkeSir Dave Brailsford paid his respects, too[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkeCEO Omar Berrada wore the red United tie along with his colleagues[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkeJohn O’Shea, Wes Brown and Phil Bardsley reunited for the service[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkeBryan Robson was club captain while Kath worked on reception[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkePeter Schmeichel spent eight years at Old Trafford[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkePaul Scholes grew up at United knowing Phipps[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkePaul Parker headed to the cathedral[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkeDave Gardner was in the United academy and has been close pals with Beckham ever since[/caption]
Eamonn and James ClarkeAntony Cotton from Coronation Street joined the mourners[/caption]