Both former and current Manchester United stars have paid tribute to a long-serving Carrington receptionist after she marked her 55-year anniversary at Old Trafford.
Kath Phipps, who received the League Managers Association’s Service to Football award in 2022, has been described by the BBC as a ‘firm favourite with staff and players.’
The United receptionist first arrived at Old Trafford when the legendary Sir Matt Busby was in charge of the club and was widely hailed by the likes of David Beckham for her selfless work.
An Instagram account under the name of Kath Phipps revealed on Friday last week that the legendary United figure had now celebrated 55 years at the club.
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Phipps receives tributes from United players, past and present
The Instagram account posted a photo of Phipps holding a beautiful flower bouquet in front of a sign at United’s training complex.
The caption for the photo, posted to the account’s 1,344 followers, said: “55 years at Manchester United today.”
The post received 4,448 likes and 193 comments at the time of writing, with United players, both past and present, paying tribute to a veteran figure like Phipps.
“Amazing Kath,” wrote Manchester United Women captain Katie Zelem, adding a smiling face emoji and a heart emoji.
Former United star Juan Mata called her the “best,” while former Red Devils player Charlie Savage congratulated her on her milestone.
United captain Bruno Fernandes sent her a heart emoji on the post, with the likes of Anders Lindegaard, Ander Herrera and Chris Smalling all doing the same.
How Phipps came to work at United
Following her LMA award in 2022, Phipps revealed that she came to work at United after applying for a role when Les Olive was club secretary at the time.
She paid tribute to legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who had “always been there for me” and was “absolutely brilliant to work for.”
Speaking to United’s official website in 2022, Phipps said: “In September 1968, I just applied for the job to Les Olive and got it within a couple of days.
“Sir Alex was my longest-serving manager. He’s always been there for me, every time. He’s absolutely brilliant to work for.
“I don’t think we’ve ever had a crossword all these years I’ve known him. Even on matchdays. We’re like brother and sister — he talks to me like that.
“I just get up every morning as a happy person. I come here and I just love seeing them all.
“I’ll miss them one day, when I’m not here, but I don’t want to give it up just yet.”
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