Tributes Honor Kath Phipps, Long-Serving Manchester United Figure

Prominent Manchester United players, both current and former, including Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford, and David de Gea, have offered tributes following the death of their former colleague, Kath Phipps, at 85 years old. Manchester United characterized Phipps as “an omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s,” noting her tenure of over 55 years in various capacities. Rooney, who holds the record as United’s all-time leading goalscorer and currently manages Championship team Plymouth, stated: “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.” Bruno Fernandes, the current team captain, shared the club’s official announcement accompanied by a heart emoji. Separately, England international forward Rashford commented: “Awful news, admired by all at the club and beyond, you will be missed.” Defender Harry Maguire referred to Phipps as “a legend that will never be forgotten,” and former United goalkeeper De Gea posted: “Such a wonderful woman! Thanks for taking care of everyone.” In an official statement, the club detailed: “A childhood United fan from Irlam, Kath became the Reds’ switchboard operator in September 1968, shortly after the Reds’ first European Cup success, and was soon forging friendships with Sir Matt Busby, Jimmy Murphy and United’s star-studded squad, spending countless hours with Ballon d’Or winners George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law as they signed autographs to send to their fans.” The statement continued: “Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her.” The club also quoted Phipps from the previous year, stating: “She said last year: ‘I can’t imagine doing anything else’. Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.”