David Beckham, Gary Neville and other Man Utd legends support Sir Alex Ferguson at funeral of wife Cathy

Man Utd and Sir Alex Ferguson have mourned the death of Lady Cathy Ferguson at the age of 84

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 16/10/2023

- 15:23

Updated: 16/10/2023

- 15:57

Lady Cathy Ferguson died at the age of 84 earlier this month

David Beckham and Gary Neville were among the former Manchester United players to attend the funeral of Lady Cathy Ferguson on Monday.

The wife of legendary football manager Sir Alex Ferguson died at the age of 84 earlier this month.


The funeral was held at St Andrew's Cathedral on Monday, with many famous sporting names in attendance.

Beckham and Neville were among them, with the pair both playing a key role during the early years of Ferguson's glittering spell in the dugout.

Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has received support from former Man Utd players such as Beckham, Neville and Nicky Butt

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Both men suitably wore black for the occasion as they supported 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 spotted outside the church, while Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was there as well.

Liverpool's Andy Robertson reunited with former Hull boss Steve Bruce prior to the ceremony, too, with the pair previously spending four years working together.

Per 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 the passing of Lady Cathy on October 6.

A statement read: "Everyone at Manchester United sends our heartfelt condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family on the passing of Lady Cathy.

"Lady Cathy was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a tower of strength for Sir Alex throughout his career."

United players then wore black armbands in a dramatic 2-1 Premier League win over Brentford as a mark of respect.

Scott McTominay, who was discovered as a youngster by Ferguson, scored both goals to save Erik ten Hag from another underwhelming day at the office.

United's womens team also wore black armbands prior to their Women's Super League draw with Arsenal in the days that followed.

Lady Cathy was a huge influence on Ferguson and stood by his side as he established himself as one of the best managers of all time.

Ferguson was even prevented from retiring back in 2002 because of his wife, who urged him to carry on because he was 'too young' and 'too good' to stop.

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 walk away in order to spend more time with his loved ones.

He later said: "My wife Cathy has been the key figure throughout my career, providing a bedrock of both stability and encouragement.

"Words are not enough to express what this has meant to me."

Premier League clubs were quick to pay tribute to Lady Cathy after her death earlier this month.

On X, rivals Manchester City said: "Everyone at Manchester City sends their condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and his family at this very difficult time."

Arsenal offered 'heartfelt condolences' and added: "May Lady Cathy rest in peace."

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Sir Alex Ferguson Man Utd

Sir Alex Ferguson followed wife Cathy's coffin out of St Andrew's Cathedral

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Ferguson's old club, St Mirren, said: "Everyone at St Mirren Football Club sends its deepest condolences to Sir Alex Ferguson and family following the sad news of the passing of Lady Cathy Ferguson."

And Aberdeen, who the Scot guided to European Cup Winners' Cup glory back in 1983, also sent a message of support.

GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes, meanwhile, said: "We have shared Many Happy social gatherings over the years.

"He was called The Boss but believe me she was The Boss.

"Heartbreaking for him and their whole extended family. My sympathies #RIPCathy."

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