Rio Ferdinand sends powerful message to ‘absolute mainstay’ Kath Phipps after death of iconic Man Utd figure

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Rio Ferdinand paid a heartfelt tribute on social media after the death of Manchester United’s long-standing receptionist Kath Phipps at the age of 85.

Kath Phipps was a beloved figure around Old Trafford and had been working at the Premier League club for over 55 years.

The legendary Manchester United receptionist had crossed paths with iconic figures during her time at Old Trafford, including Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Red Devils on Thursday announced that Phipps had passed away and United paid tribute to her on their official club website.

The news of Phipps’ death led to tributes from both past and present United players, including England star Marcus Rashford and Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney.

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Man Utd legend Ferdinand’s tribute for Phipps

Rio Ferdinand enjoyed a prolific playing career at Old Trafford and the Manchester United legend lifted a plethora of silverware at the Premier League club.

During his time under Sir Alex Ferguson, the 46-year-old former United defender lifted six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and two League Cups.

Ferdinand spent the majority of his United playing career under Ferguson before the legendary former Red Devils manager retired from management in 2013.

The ex-England and United centre-back took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and shared a message about Kath Phipps with his followers.

Sharing a photo of himself alongside United’s long-standing receptionist, Ferdinand lauded Phipps for her “warm smile” and her “incredibly selfless” nature.

“Kath,” he wrote, adding a heartbroken emoji.

Ferdinand continued: “An absolute mainstay of Manchester United… Always welcomed me and everyone else who visited with a warm smile!

“Looked at life positively, incredibly selfless [and] would put others first! RIP.”

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Phipps on her time at Man Utd

Phipps celebrated her 55th anniversary at United in 2023 and the beloved figure insisted that football was her life and enjoyed her time at Old Trafford.

“I don’t think I’ve had one cross word with anybody in all the years I’ve been here,” she said in a 2023 interview, as per Manchester United’s official website.

“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.”