Manchester United paid a touching tribute to their beloved receptionist Kath Phipps ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
Man United announced the news of his death on Thursday and shared a heartfelt 454-word statement in honor of Phipps, who worked for 55 years in a variety of roles at the club, from receptionist to telephone operator.
He was a hugely popular figure at Old Trafford and a host of club legends, including David Beckham, have paid tribute to him in recent days.
And in the first match since his death, the club marked his life with a series of moving gestures and had great support from rivals Nottingham Forest.
Wreaths were carried onto the pitch before the match by United captain Bruno Fernandes and Forest star Anthony Elanga, who spent seven years at Old Trafford before joining Forest last year.
It is usually the captain who plays that role, so it was a thoughtful and appropriate move on Forest’s part to award the honor to Elanga.
Man United captain Bruno Fernandes (left) and former Red Devil Anthony Elanga carry wreaths onto the Old Trafford pitch in tribute to Kath Phipps before Saturday’s Premier League match.
Man United players also unfurled a banner on the pitch in honor of the club’s beloved legend.
A minute’s silence was also observed for Kath Phipps followed by applause at Old Trafford.
The players also held a banner that read: “Thank you Kath. United legend.” And before the start, a minute of silence was observed.
United had expressed their “sadness” and “distress” at Phipps’ death, and tributes have been poured in from fans.
A statement from the club said: “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.
‘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.
‘Last year he said: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without it.
“Rest in peace, Kath.”
Kath Phipps worked for Man United for over 55 years in a variety of roles.
David Beckham paid tribute to much-loved Manchester United receptionist Kath Phipps
United announced the news of Phipps’ death at the age of 85 on Thursday and paid tribute to him
Phipps appeared in Beckham’s Netflix documentary about his life and wrote his own message to him on Thursday.
Taking to Instagram alongside a photo of him holding Phipps’ hand, Beckham said: “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 party.” .
“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 parents: ‘I’ll look after your son, don’t worry,’ and from that first day to the last I spent with her, that was exactly what I did. did .
“Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile when we walk through those doors… We love you.”
Several of Beckham’s former teammates also shared equally heartfelt messages toward Phipps.
Among them was Wayne Rooney, who said: “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: ‘A legend who will never be forgotten. I’ll miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath.’
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Phipps with Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael Carrick after winning his Service to Football Award
Beckham praised Phipps, who appeared in his Netflix documentary, as the “heartbeat of Manchester United” and said: “Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile.”
Harry Maguire (left) and Patrice Evra (right) also paid tribute with heartfelt messages on social media.
Meanwhile, former Red Devils captain Gary Neville shared the club’s emotional tribute, simply adding a broken heart emoji.
Fellow former United captain Patrice Evra showed a photograph of him hugging Phipps and said: “Losing a family member is never easy.”