Roy Keane, Denis Irwin and John O'Shea were among the former Manchester United players who gathered at Manchester Cathedral on Monday afternoon to pay their respects to beloved Manchester United receptionist Kath Phipps
Phipps, who passed away on December 5th at the age of 85, had spent 56 years working for Manchester United, starting her time there as the club's first switchboard operator in 1968.
Remembered as a 'one-woman institution' when she passed last month, Kath Phipps was laid to rest at a ceremony in Manchester Cathedral on Monday, with both the current Manchester United squad led by Ruben Amorim and past players in attendance.
Among the former players who attended today's service were former Irish internationals Denis Irwin, Roy Keane and John O'Shea. They were joined in the cathedral by David Beckham, Peter Schmeichel, Bryan Robson, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes among others.
Nicky Butt and Roy Keane also here #mufc pic.twitter.com/B9OwjnYxmj
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) January 6, 2025
John O’Shea the latest to arrive for Kath Phipps funeral. David Beckham already here. pic.twitter.com/e0VaGIU9Au
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) January 6, 2025
Alex Ferguson pays tribute to Kath Phipps
Alex Ferguson also attended the service with the former Manchester United manager delivering a eulogy in remembrance of Kath Phipps.
Speaking at the service, Ferguson remembered Phipps as a 'wonderful lady', revealing a wonderful anecdote from when he paid her a visit.
When I went to see her at home towards the end, she was happy and content. I thought she had a Coke to drink.
She told me it was a Bacardi and Coke. I asked her what the doctor would think about that. She said: ‘I haven’t asked him’.
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.
Ferguson also told those in the cathedral that she'd have been happy the team had got a result in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
The legendary manager also stopped after the service to speak to reporters and remembered his former colleague warmly.
Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken warmly about Kath Phipps inside and outside of Manchester Cathedral this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/IYPGClAa9w
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) January 6, 2025
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