Kath Phipps dies: The Man United stalwart who was heartbeat of club and adored by Sir Alex and Beckham

Tributes have poured in for Manchester United stalwart Kath Phipps, who dedicated her life to the Red Devils.

A lifelong fan of the Premier League giants, Kath recently hit the milestone of 55 years as a member of staff with the club - working first at the stadium offices, then the main reception at their Carrington training ground, but returning for matchdays at Old Trafford, before the club announced her death at the age of 85 on December 5. She forged close friendships with a host of United icons - including Sir Alex Ferguson, who took his entire squad to her husband Richard's funeral as a mark of solidarity, and David Beckham - even featuring in the star's Netflix documentary.

A heartfelt tribute from her beloved club said: "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."

A childhood Man United fan, Kath started working at Old Trafford as a telephone switchboard operator in September 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was still the club's manager, in a role that saw her working closely with heroes from the era including George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton.

Later she would go on to become a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist at Carrington. She was recognised by the League Managers’ Association with a Service to Football award in 2022, prompting public tributes from David Beckham, Gary Neville and others who appreciated her role in their careers and in the day-to-day workings of the club.

In their statement, United said: "Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a