Manchester United have announced plans to pay tribute to their beloved receptionist Kath Phipps this weekend following her death aged 85.
Phipps had been employed by United since 1968, initially working as a telephone operator before becoming a receptionist at the club’s training ground.
Many tributes have been paid to Phipps, with United opening a book of condolence at their Carrington training ground.
According to the club official websitethere will be a moment of applause before United’s Premier League game at home against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
United players will also wear black armbands during the match.
United’s women’s team will pay the same tributes when they take on Liverpool in their WSL match at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday.
Man United have announced plans to pay tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps
Phipps (pictured with David Gill, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton) has died aged 85
Newly appointed United manager Ruben Amorim recalled meeting Phipps during a visit to the club in 2018.
Amorim said: ‘I met her. It’s kind of strange because I met her when I was here interning and I remember walking into the building and seeing the lovely Kathy.
“I think she is the image of this club. Kind, very professional, very respectful, so it is a great loss and that can be felt today in Carrington.
‘You can feel it; “Everyone is talking about this situation and it is a sad day for us.”
David Beckham paid an emotional tribute to Phipps, saying she promised his parents she would look after him after his move to United.
Beckham wrote on Instagram: “Forever in our hearts… The first and last face I would always see was Kath sitting in the reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the match.
“She was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her.
“I moved to Manchester when I was 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad: ‘I’ll look after your son, don’t worry,’ and from that first day to the last day I spent with her, that was it. “. exactly what he did.
David Beckham paid tribute to Phipps by remembering the promise she made to her parents
Harry Maguire (left) and Patrice Evra (right) also paid tribute with heartfelt messages on social media.
Wayne Rooney wrote on Instagram: ‘The heart and soul of Manchester United. Everything that is the club. A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.’
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also posted, saying: “A legend who will never be forgotten.” I’ll miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath.’
Meanwhile, former Red Devils captain Gary Neville shared the club’s emotional tribute, simply adding a broken heart emoji.
Fellow former United defender Patrice Evra, showing a photograph of him hugging Phipps, said: “Losing a family member is never easy.”
United’s statement after Phipps’ death read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.
‘A ubiquitous figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for more than 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job.
“Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in subsequent years, Kath later became a fixture in the Old Trafford directors’ lobby on match days and took on the role of training ground receptionist. , ensuring that any visitor to Carrington would be greeted by the happiest of welcomes.
Wayne Rooney was one of the first to pay tribute to Phipps with an emotional post on Instagram
‘For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats, as Kath came to embody the family atmosphere that underpins the club’s culture.
‘If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to listen and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them, whether they were superstar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.
‘Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by all at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without it.
“Rest in peace, Kath.”