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By DAVID KENT Published: 06: 12 AEDT, 8 December 2024 | Updated: 07: 20 AEDT, 8 December 2024 View comments Manchester United paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved late receptionist Kath Phipps before Saturday's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.   Man United announced news of her death on Thursday and shared a heartfelt 454-word statement to honour Phipps, who worked for 55 years in a variety of roles at the club from receptionist to telephone switchboard operator.   She was a hugely popular figure at Old Trafford and a host of club legends - such as David Beckham - have paid tribute to her over the past two days.   And in the first match since her death, the club marked her life with a number of heart-warming gestures and were well supported by their opponents Forest.    Wreaths were brought 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 performs such a role - and so it was a thoughtful and apposite move for Forest to give the honour to Elanga.   Man United captain Bruno Fernandes (left) and former Red Devil Anthony Elanga take wreaths onto the Old Trafford pitch in tribute to Kath Phipps ahead of Saturday's Premier League match The Man United players also unfurled a banner on the pitch to the much-loved club legend There was also a minute's silence for Kath Phipps followed by applause around Old Trafford Players also held out a banner which read: "Thank you, Kath. United legend. " And there was a minute of silence followed by applause before kick-off. United had expressed their 'sadness' and 'heartbreak' at Phipps' passing, and tributes have poured in from fans.   A club statement 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. 'She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else. ” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.   'Rest in peace, Kath. ' Kath Phipps worked for Man United for over 55 years in a variety of roles David Beckham paid tribute to Manchester United's much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps United announced news of Phipps' passing at the age of 85 on Thursday and paid tribute to her Phipps appeared in Beckham's Netflix documentary about his life and on Thursday, he wrote his own message to her. 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 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 ❤️. 'Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors. .. We love you. ' Several of Beckham's former team-mates also shared similarly heartfelt messages towards Phipps. This included Wayne Rooney, who 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. ' Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also posted: 'A legend that will never be forgotten. I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath. ' The long-serving receptionist meeting new Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2024 Phipps with Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael Carrick after winning her Service to Football Award Beckham hailed 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 social media messages Meanwhile, former Red Devils captain Gary Neville shared the club's emotional tribute, simply adding a broken heart emoji. Fellow ex-United skipper Patrice Evra, displayed a photograph of him hugging Phipps and said: 'Losing a family member is never easy. ' Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group