Man United announce plans to pay tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps this weekend after she passed away aged 85

Manchester United have announced plans to pay tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps this weekend after she passed away aged 85.

Phipps had been employed by United since 1968, initially working as a switchboard operator before becoming the club’s training ground receptionist.

Many tributes have been paid to Phipps, with United opening a book of condolence at their Carrington training ground.

As reported by the club’s official website, a moment’s applause will take place ahead of United’s Premier League game at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The United players will also wear black armbands for the match.

United’s women’s team will pay the same tributes as they face 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) passed away aged 85

Recently-appointed United head coach Ruben Amorim recalled meeting Phipps during a visit to the club in 2018.

Amorim said: ‘I met her. It’s a strange thing because I met her when I was here doing the internship, and I remember going inside the building and seeing the lovely Kathy. 

‘I think she is the image of this club. Friendly, very professional, very respectful, so she is a big loss and you can feel it today in Carrington.

‘You can feel it; everyone talks about this situation, and it is a sad day for us.’

David Beckham paid an emotional tribute to Phipps, saying that she promised his parents that she would look after him following his move to United.

Beckham wrote on Instagram: ‘Forever in our hearts… The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game.

‘She was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her.

‘I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad: ‘I’ll look after your boy for you don’t you worry’, and from that first day till the last day I spent with her that’s exactly what she did.’

David Beckham paid tribute to Phipps as he recalled the promise she made to his parents

Harry Maguire (left) and Patrice Evra (right) also paid tribute with heartfelt social media messages

Wayne Rooney was among the first to pay tribute to Phipps with an emotional post on Instagram

Wayne Rooney wrote on Instagram: ‘The heart and soul of Manchester United. Everything what the club is about. A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.’

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also posted and said: ‘A legend that will never be forgotten. I will 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 ex-United defender Patrice Evra, displaying a photograph of him hugging Phipps, said: ‘Losing a family member is never easy.’

United’s statement after Phipps passed away read: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.

‘An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.

‘Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes.

‘For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning 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 lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.

‘Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone 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 her.

‘Rest in peace, Kath.’