SIR ALEX FERGUSON led tributes to “special” Manchester United receptionist Kath Phipps on the day of her funeral. Phipps, a much-loved figure behind the scenes at Old Trafford, passed

Kath Phipps, who passed away aged 85 last month, was remembered at a ceremony at Manchester Cathedral on Monday afternoon following her remarkable 56 years of service for the club. Sir Alex Ferguson told journalists afterwards: “I did 26 and I thought that was unbelievable.”

Sir Alex Ferguson, along with former and current Manchester United players like David Beckham, paid tribute to Kath Phipps, former club receptionist, at a funeral service on Monday.

Legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson paid a touching tribute to beloved former club receptionist Kath Phipps at a funeral service on Monday.Phipps worked for United for over 55 years,

Ferguson would have never allowed such a transfer to happen during his reign as United boss. The Scot and David Gill, who was United's chief executive, previously had a policy of never selling an important player to one of their Premier League rivals.

Sir Alex Ferguson paid an emotional tribute to Kath Phipps at the beloved Manchester United receptionist’s funeral today, saying she will ‘without question’ be remembered as a club legend. Kath worked for United for over 55 years, having joined the Red Devils in 1968, initially as a switchboard operator.

David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson, Ruben Amorim and Bruno Fernandes were among those to pay their respects to Manchester United's "one-woman institution" Kath Phipps

It did feel a little bit like the old Manchester United coming out to pay its respects to Kath Phipps at Manchester Cathedral. Sir Alex Ferguson spoke about first encountering her at the Cliff training ground in 1986.