Man United’s ‘always smiling’ receptionist dead at 85: Wayne Rooney leads tributes as Kath Phipps, loved by David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson, passes away after 56 years working for the club

Manchester United‘s much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps has died at the age of 85, the Premier League club confirmed on Thursday.

Described as an ‘omnipresent figure since the late 1960s’ and a ‘one-woman institution’, Man United wrote a heartfelt 454-word tribute to honour Phipps, who worked for 55 years in a variety of roles at the club.

The 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.

Phipps pictured with ex-Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson (left) and Michael Carrick (right)

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

‘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.’ 

Wayne Rooney was among the first to pay tribute to Phipps with an emotional post on social media, as former Manchester United players and staff swiftly penned messages to honour her memory.

The Plymouth manager said 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 skipper Patrice Evra, displaying a photograph of him hugging Phipps, said: ‘Losing a family member is never easy.’

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

Jadon Sancho and Scott McTominay took to social media to pay their tribute to Phipps

United legend Paul Scholes described Phipps as ‘the heart and soul’ of the football club

The long-serving receptionist meeting new Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2024

Man United loanee Jadon Sancho – who currently plays for Chelsea – also wrote an emotional farewell to Phipps on social media. 

Sancho wrote: ‘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’.

Former Red Devil Scott McTominay, now at Italian club Napoli, wrote: ‘You were loved and adored by everybody Kath. You made me smile each and every time I saw you and could brighten up any room you walked into. Rest in peace’. 

Club legend Paul Scholes was another who shared an emotional tribute to Phipps. He wrote: ‘The heart and soul of our special football club, will be sadly missed by all and impossible to replace… RIP Kath’.. 

Phipps, who appeared in David Beckham’s Netflix documentary, started working at Man United as the club’s first switchboard operator back in 1968 during Sir Matt Busby’s reign.

In May 2022, after over five decades of service, she was honoured with a Service to Football Award – with Beckham admitting the ‘amazing’ receptionist ‘really deserved’ the honour for her services to football and Manchester United in general.

More to follow…