Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson gives eulogy at funeral of Kath Phipps as Beckham and Co pay tribute
A star-studded collection of Manchester United icons have paid tribute to long-serving club employee Kath Phipps as her funeral was held.
Phipps, who was a lifelong fan of the Premier League giants, spent 55 years serving the club - working first at the stadium offices, then the main reception at their Carrington training ground, but returning for matchdays at Old Trafford, before the Red Devils announced her death at the age of 85 on December 5. She was remembered as "the heart and soul of the United family" by former players, with David Beckham saying: "Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors. We love you."
Legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson was chosen to give a eulogy at the service at Manchester Cathedral on January 6, with the two having worked closely together during Fergie's 26 year tenure in charge at Old Trafford. The former United manager was joined by Beckham as well as fellow ex-players Roy Keane, Mark Hughes, Peter Schmeichel, Gary Pallister, Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, Bryan Robson, Denis Irwin, Phil Jones and John O’Shea.
Reflecting on her friendship with Fergie in 2023, Kath said: "We always had good banter. We’d argue like brother and sister at times, he’d shout at me and I’d shout at him - but it was all in good humour. If I had to describe him in one word I’d say it is caring. He cares. When my husband passed away, he brought the players to the funeral. It amazed me. He and Cathy (Ferguson) were so good with me.”
The current team were also present with manager Ruben Amorim seen leading in the squad alongside captain Bruno Fernandes and long-serving player Jonny Evans, whilst wantaway striker Marcus Rashford - who posted an emotional tribute on social media after her death - joined his teammates. Posting on X after the news was announced, Rashford said: "Awful news, Kath was admired by all at the club and beyond, you will be missed."
Former hero Beckham, who was joined by mum Sandra and dad Ted, meanwhile, said: "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' and from that first day till the last day I spent with her that's exactly what she did."
In their own tribute, United said: "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.
