Louis van Gaal
Former Man United manager Louis van Gaal
Louis van Gaal has penned an email about Kath Phipps, following the death of the popular Manchester United staff member.
United paid tribute to Phipps last week, who 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.
Phipps became the club's switchboard operator in September 1968, shortly after United had won their first European Cup. She quickly became a huge popular figure during matchdays at Old Trafford and later took on the role of training ground receptionist.
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Phipps' warm personality ensured that 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."
Following a number of tributes from past and current players such as Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and Harry Maguire, Van Gaal has now penned an emotional message.
It [read](https://twitter.com/DTathletic/status/1866068397361897871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024 ): "It's a sad period for Man United especially because of the death of Kath! 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 PA. In my last season, we won the FA Cup and who sent me a nice summary with photos from the FA Final? Right, Kath!
"I will always remember her as my sweet, smiley PA. Rest in peace, Kath. With kind regards, Louis van Gaal."
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