BREAKING Man Utd legend ‘adored’ by Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney dies as membership mourns
Manchester United have paid tribute to ‘beloved’ employee Kath Phipps, who has died at the age of 85.
Phipps was an omnipresent figure at United since the late 1960s, and worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles.
A childhood United fan, Phipps became the club’s switchboard operator in 1968, shortly after the team’s first European Cup success.
She went on to forge close friendships with the likes of Sir Matt Busby, Ballon d’Or winners George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, and also Sir Alex Ferguson.
Her contribution to the day-to-day running of the club at the training ground was recognised by Fergie after her husband, Richard, had passed away.
Fergie took his squad to the funeral to pay their respects, and stand in solidarity with her as she grieved her loss.
During the Covid lockdown, she was also visited at home by players and staff members.
While In 2022, she was recognised by the League Managers’ Association with a ‘Service to Football’ award, prompting public tributes from the likes of David Beckham and Gary Neville.
A club statement said: “Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her.
“We can’t imagine the place without her.”
In an interview in 2023, Phipps said: “I don’t think I’ve had one cross word with anybody in all the years I’ve been here.
“I look forward to coming in and having a smile on my face every day, wishing people ‘good morning’. I just enjoy being here. Not everybody can say they enjoy going to work but I do. Football has been my life.”
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