Icons of MANCHESTER UNITED, hailing from various periods, gathered to honor Kath Phipps during her farewell service.
The cherished former receptionist at Old Trafford departed last month at the age of 85.
Phipps had maintained a long-standing association with the club since the 1960s, beginning her tenure in the era of Sir Matt Busby.
David Beckham particularly stood out among the attendees at the ceremony held at Manchester Cathedral on Monday afternoon.
The 49-year-old former United superstar made a point to visit Kath during her final days.
He entered the cathedral with his parents, Sandra and Ted.
In a tribute on Instagram, Beckham expressed, “The first and last face I would always encounter was Kath at the reception at Old Trafford, waiting to hand me my match tickets.”
“She was the heartbeat of Manchester United; everyone recognized her and held her in the highest regard.”
“When I moved to Manchester at 15, Kath assured my parents, ‘I’ll take care of your boy, so you need not worry.’”
Ruben Amorim brought his entire first-team roster to the funeral, where the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson honored her memory with a moving eulogy.
Former players such as Gary Neville, Bryan Robson, Roy Keane, and Mark Hughes also attended, paying their respects on a solemn day in the North West.
Manchester United extended their condolences for Phipps last month, expressing their “broken hearts” over the news.
The statement read: “We are profoundly saddened to report the loss of our dear colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.
“A vital figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath devoted over 55 years to the club, taking on multiple roles, with her influence reaching far beyond any single position.”
“Throughout the years, she became a familiar face at the directors’ entrance on matchdays and served as the receptionist at the training ground, offering a warm welcome to every visitor at Carrington.”
“Kath was an irreplaceable figure, and her memory will forever be cherished by all fortunate enough to know her.
“Last year, she remarked, ‘I can’t envision doing anything else.’ Well, we can’t envision the club without her. Rest in peace, Kath.”
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