Sir Alex Ferguson can’t stop smiling as he remembers ‘special’ Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps in emotional tribute

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 away last month at the age of 85.

The receptionist worked for United for 55 years - dating back to the 1960s when Sir Matt Busby was manager.

She had a lasting impact on some of the club's biggest legends - including Sir Alex and David Beckham.

And those icons were among the vast number of guests in attendance at her funeral on Monday.

Club legends Paul Scholes, Peter Schmeichel, Bryan Robson and Roy Keane were also among the mourners at Manchester Cathedral, as well as Ruben Amorim and the entire current men's first team.

In addition, several academy stars attended, as did Marc Skinner, Maya Le Tissier and Ella Toone on behalf of the women's team.

Sir Alex was thrilled to see so many players past and present at the funeral as he paid tribute to Phipps.

Reflecting on her time at the club, Ferguson said: "55 years! I did 26 and I thought that was unbelievable!

"She was a fantastic person and I'm glad that all the players turned up. She would appreciate that."

Fergie also admitted the beloved receptionist would be "happy" with United's 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

He explained: "I was pleased the team got a result last night... Kath would be happy with that.

"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 could not contain a smile when reminiscing on the time he spent with the beloved Old Trafford icon because of how much she meant to both him and United.

He also read a touching eulogy in her honour and said: "I wanted to do that but I was nervous because she deserved something really special."