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Manchester United have announced the passing of much-loved club employee Kath Phipps, aged 85. Phipps started working for the Red Devils in 1968 as a switchboard operator and went on to become part of the club's furniture. During her 56-year association with United, she worked as a receptionist at Carrington and welcomed key figures to the Old Trafford directors' box on matchdays. Phipps was hugely popular and the club often referred to her as the 'heartbeat of United'. She forged relationships with legendary club figures such as Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson, who she was particularly close to, along with iconic players like David Beckham. Reflecting on her relationship with Ferguson, Phipps said in 2023: "We always had good banter. We’d argue like brother and sister at times, he’d shout at me and I’d shout at him. .. but it was all in good humour. "If I had to describe him in one word I’d say: caring. He cares. When my husband passed away, he brought the players to the funeral. It amazed me. He and Cathy [Ferguson] were so good with me. ” Phipps added: “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. ” Meanwhile, United said in a lengthy tribute: "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. " Tributes quickly flooded in from players past and present, including ex-goalkeeper David de Gea, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford. He said: "Such a wonderful woman! Thanks for taking care of everyone. " United winger Jadon Sancho, currently on loan at Chelsea, said: "I’m grateful that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you. Such a lovely kind hearted soul. "She always made sure I was ok and always put a smile on my face whenever I felt down, I appreciate you Kath. "My condolences go out to her family through this tough time. " Red Devils defender Harry Maguire said: "A legend that will never be forgotten. I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath. " United's record goalscorer Wayne Rooney, now a manager at Championship side Plymouth, said: "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. " More to follow. © 2024 talk SPORT Limited
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