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David Beckham and Gary Neville were among the former Manchester United players attending the funeral of Lady Cathy Ferguson on Monday.
The wife of legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson died earlier this month aged 84.
The funeral was held at St Andrews Cathedral on Monday, with many famous sporting names in attendance.
Beckham and Neville were among them, with the pair playing key roles during the early years of Ferguson’s glorious spell in the dugout.
Sir Alex Ferguson has received support from former Man Utd players like Beckham, Neville and Nicky Butt
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Both men were appropriately dressed in black for the occasion as they were supporting their old manager.
Nicky Butt, Michael Carrick, Ji Sung Park and Bryan Robson were also in attendance.
Former managers Kenny Dalglish and Archie Knox were seen outside the church, while Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was also there.
Ahead of the ceremony Liverpool’s Andy Robertson reunited with former Hull boss Steve Bruce, with the pair having previously spent four years working together.
According to The Sun, Sir Alex followed his late wife’s coffin out of the cathedral before shaking hands with Canon Andrew McKenzie, who conducted the service.
United confirmed Lady Cathy’s death on 6 October.
A statement said: “Everyone at Manchester United extends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy.
“Lady Cathy was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother and a tower of strength to Sir Alex throughout his career.”
United players then wore black armbands in their dramatic 2–1 Premier League win over Brentford as a mark of respect.
Scott McTominay, who was discovered by Ferguson as a young player, scored both goals to save Eric ten Hag from another disappointing day at the office.
The United women’s team also wore black armbands ahead of their Women’s Super League draw with Arsenal the following day.
Lady Carthy had a huge influence on Ferguson and stood by him as he established himself as one of the best managers of all time.
Ferguson was also prevented from retiring in 2002 because of his wife, who urged him to move on because he was ‘too young’ and ‘too good’ to stay.
United won six more Premier League titles in the years that followed, as well as the Champions League crown in 2008.
And Ferguson retired in 2013 after the death of Cathy’s sister, believing it was the right time to step away to spend more time with his loved ones.
He later said: “My wife Kathy has been a key figure throughout my career, providing a foundation of both stability and encouragement.
“Words are not enough to express what this means to me.”
Premier League clubs were quick to pay tribute to Lady Carthy following her death earlier this month.
At the X, rivals Manchester City said: “Everyone at Manchester City extends their condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family at this difficult time.”
Arsenal expressed ‘heartfelt condolences’ and said: “May Lady Cathy rest in peace.”
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Sir Alex Ferguson follows wife Cathy’s coffin out of St Andrews Cathedral
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Ferguson’s old club, St Mirren, said: “Everyone at St Mirren Football Club offers our deepest condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and family following the sad news of the passing of Lady Cathy Ferguson.”
And Aberdeen, who guided the Scot to European Cup Winners’ Cup glory in 1983, also sent a message of support.
Meanwhile, GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes said: “We have shared many happy social gatherings over the years.
“She was called The Boss, but believe me she was The Boss.
“Heartbroken for him and his entire family. My condolences #RIPCathy.”
