Manchester United have announced staff member Kath Phipps has died at the age of 85.

Phipps was a famous face at Carrington. She began working for the club in the late 1960s and worked in a variety of roles over 55 years but her contribution was beyond her job title.

A huge popular and warm personality, Phipps was a childhood United fan from Irlam and she saw the great triumphs of Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson during her employment.

Phipps became the Reds’ switchboard operator in September 1968, shortly after the Reds’ first European Cup success. She was later a key member of the club's office staff and became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford's directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist.

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United have said Phipps ensured visitors to Carrington were greeted by the "cheeriest of welcomes" and that her positive attitude "helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground."

Last year, Phipps reflected on her 55th anniversary at the club in an interview and said: “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.”

When Phipps' husband, Richard, passed away, Sir Alex Ferguson took his squad along to the funeral to pay their respects and stand in solidarity with Kath as she grieved.

During 2020’s mid-pandemic lockdown, she was visited at home by players and staff members who wanted to ensure she had company.

In 2022, she was recognised by the League Managers’ Association with a Service to Football award, prompting public tributes from David Beckham, Gary Neville and others who appreciated her role.

United have described Phipps as a "one-woman institution" and have said her "memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her."

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