Louis van Gaal paid the ultimate tribute to one iconic Manchester United figure who played a key role for him during his time at Old Trafford.
The 73-year-old Dutchman became Manchester United manager in 2014 after David Moyes was axed from the Premier League club.
Louis van Gaal successfully led United back to Champions League football after the Red Devils finished in fourth place in the 2014-15 season.
However, the former Ajax and Barcelona manager’s second season at Old Trafford would be his last after United finished in fifth place in the league.
The ex-United head coach was able to lift major silverware at the Premier League club after the Red Devils defeated Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final in 2016.
However, the FA Cup trophy was not enough to save Van Gaal and the Dutchman was sacked by United at the end of the 2015-16 season.
Former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho arrived at United in 2016 and replaced Van Gaal in the Old Trafford hot seat.
READ MORE: Eric Cantona sends emotionally charged message to ‘mother’ Kath Phipps after beloved Man Utd figure passed away
AFC Ajax Amsterdam legend trainer Louis van Gaal participates in the match between Ajax Legends and Real Madrid Legends at the Johan Cruijff ArenA ...
Photo by Stefan Koops / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Van Gaal’s email about Man Utd figure
Following his managerial spell at Manchester United, Louis van Gaal went on to manage the Netherlands for the third and final time before retiring in 2022.
United confirmed on their official website last week that long-standing receptionist Kath Phipps had passed away at the age of 85.
Kath Phipps was a beloved figure at United and she had marked her 55th anniversary with the Premier League club in 2023.
The death of the iconic Man Utd figure led to a flood of tributes from past and current players, including the likes of Wayne Rooney and Marcus Rashford.
Daniel Taylor took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to share an email that Van Gaal had sent to The Athletic.
Van Gaal paid tribute to Phipps by saying it was a “sad period” for the club and said the veteran former employee was one of the people who “supported” him at United.
“Hello Daniel, It is a sad period for Man.U. [sic] especially because of the death of Kath!” Van Gaal’s email reads.
“If there was one person who supported me in my time at Man.U. it was Kath!! She always came in with a smile and kept the mail for me!
“She was actually my P.A. In my last season we won the FA Cup and who sent me a nice summary with foto’s from the FA. Final …..? Right, Kath!
“I will always remember her as my sweet smiley P.A. Rest in peace, Kath! With kind regards, Louis van Gaal.”
READ MORE: David Beckham reveals 10-word promise Kath Phipps made to his parents after he arrived at Old Trafford
Phipps’ incredible time at Man Utd
United paid tribute to Phipps by wearing black armbands and took part in a moment’s applause for Phipps ahead of the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Phipps candidly opened up about her time at United in 2023 and insisted that football was her “life” after marking 55 years of service for the club.
“I don’t think I’ve had one cross word with anybody in all the years I’ve been here,” she said in an interview.
“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.”
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