Sir Alex Ferguson led tributes to long-time Manchester United training ground receptionist Kath Phipps as club heroes past and present paid their respects at her funeral service at Manchester Cathedral on Monday.

As well as the legendary manager, David Beckham, Roy Keane and the current United squad and management attended the service for the receptionist who passed away on December 5 at the age of 85. Phipps first worked as a switchboard operator for the club in 1968, but would become an instantly-recognisable figure for those who visited the Carrington training base.

With everyone in club suits, United manager Ruben Amorim led the playing group into what was presented as a “service of thanksgiving”, flanked by his captain Bruno Fernandes and long-serving senior player Jonny Evans.

Ferguson delivered a eulogy at the service, telling the room: “It is unusual to have someone who is so committed and who loved people so much. The people you see here today are here to honour a very special person.”

Talking outside of the service, Ferguson also said of Phipps: “You can’t think of a moment when she didn’t enjoy her life. She was a really United person. I can’t think of a day she had off.

“Fifty five years [of service to the club]... I did 26 and I thought that was unbelievable.

“She was a fantastic person, and I’m really glad all the players turned out. She would appreciate that.”

Joining the procession of mourners at the service were also former United stalwarts Peter Schmeichel, Denis Irwin, Nicky Butt, Gary Pallister, John O’Shea and Wes Brown.

When she died, the United squad held a banner for Phipps that read: “Thank you Kath, United legend.” When the news broke, the club also described her as an “omnipresent figure at Manchester United”, adding that “her contribution went beyond any particular job title”.