Some 400 attendees stood as the modest coffin of Kath Phipps was brought inside Manchester Cathedral on Monday, a testament to her remarkable 56 years at Manchester United, where she became a beloved figure as receptionist.

The congregation was a roll call of the club's luminaries, with Brian Kidd, who scored in the European Cup final victory in 1968 the year Kath started at the club mingling with legends like Paul Scholes and Gary Neville. The assembly included United royalty: Kidd, Scholes, Giggs, Beckham, Neville, Butt, Keane, Parker, Bruce, Pallister, Irwin, Hughes, Carrick, Brown, O'Shea.

Eric Cantona was unable to attend due to filming commitments, while Nemanja Vidic and Juan Mata were also absent due to obligations in Serbia and Australia, respectively. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made the journey, highlighting the deep respect for Kath.

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Sir Alex Ferguson, supported by former kit man Albert Morgan, made his way up the Cathedral steps. "He's my helper," Sir Alex quipped, as he greeted Ruben Amorim, who led the current United squad inside. Taking to the pulpit, Ferguson expressed gratitude to all the players, past and present, for coming together. He then addressed the current team, commending their recent performance: "Good result last night. Well done. Kathy would have loved that."

It was the eulogies of Ferguson and current player and Northern Ireland star Jonny Evans that will live longest in the memory.

Ferguson fondly recalled the "sweetheart" he first encountered in 1986, who had a heart full of love for everyone. When Ferguson's wife, Cathy, fell ill shortly after their move to Manchester, Kath insisted on visiting her at the Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle. She spent Thursdays, her day off, keeping Cathy company.

The most poignant tribute came from Jonny Evans. Now 37, Evans recounted cherished memories shared by United's legends: Norman Whiteside's encounters with Kath alongside Sir Matt Busby and Jimmy Murphy, Peter Schmeichel enjoying tea and biscuits with her at reception, and Kath giving Jaap Stam tips on dealing with certain strikers.

She would often remind Tom Heaton that 'Heaton' was her maiden name and faithfully buzzed in Ryan Giggs every Thursday as an apprentice to collect his wages.

Evans's earliest recollection of Kath was reading a quickfire Q&A in the official United magazine featuring David Beckham. Who was Beckham's first kiss? None other than Kath Phipps.

Few players could walk by without receiving a kiss and a cuddle from Kath. "That's my boy," she'd say to her 'boys'.

Paul Scholes noted that her mood remained constant regardless of the game's outcome. Roy Keane saw her as an integral part of the club, just as significant as any other member.

Earlier in the season, Evans had kindly offered Kath a ride back to her home in Irlam from Carrington. He gently took her hand and helped her into the vehicle.

"There'll be no stopping for autographs today," she humorously remarked, waving to the fans gathered outside the training complex.

During one visit to Carrington, Evans made a detour to reception on his way to the gym to check on Kath's health following her brief return at the start of the season. Kath was battling an ear infection that affected her hearing, leading her to joke with Evans that she could no longer comprehend his accent.

On this particular day, Evans enquired about her well-being, and she responded with a hug. However, this time, she rested her head on his chest, and Evans noticed tears streaming down her face.

Concerned, he asked what was wrong. She confessed, "I can't even hear people properly, I keep getting things muddled up. I don't want people to think that I'm not good at my job."

Evans was deeply moved by her commitment. Even during his visits to Kath at the Christie, she would still inquire about the staff.

Evans concluded his eulogy by reading a passage from the Book of Matthew.

The scripture says: "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.' Kath was our light."

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