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 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

Manchester United's problems stretch back far further than their current woes under Ruben Amorim, with one of their prior recruitment decisions being called into question

The good and the great were at Manchester cathedral for the funeral of Kath Phipps, possibly the longest-serving staff member in the history of Man United.

Sir Alex Ferguson once told Peter Schmeichel he'd have to sack him following a blazing row in the Anfield away dressing room after a draw with Liverpool

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.

Kath Phipps worked for United for 56 years and was described as a 'one-woman institution' when the club announced her death aged 85 on December 5. Peter Schmeichel described her as 'everything Manchester United stands for'.