MANCHESTER UNITED stars past and present have arrived for the funeral of Kath Phipps.
The much-loved former Old Trafford reception died last month at the age of 85.
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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 before her sad passing.
He was accompanied into the cathedral today by his mother Sandra and dad Ted.
Following the 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 and Sir Dave Brailsford – were also pictured making their way in.
Past stars including Gary Neville, Peter Schmeichel, Bryan Robson, Roy Keane and Mark Hughes 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.”
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