Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has heaped praised on long-serving club secretary Kath Phipps after her death
Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has paid tribute to Kath Phipps after the long-serving club secretary's death last week at the age of 85.
Phipps worked at United's offices for over 55 years after joining the club as a switchboard operator in 1968 and was a well-known face as the club's receptionist for many decades.
United figures from past and present have heaped praise on Phipps and the impact she had on the club, including legends David Beckham Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville and captain Bruno Fernandes and boss Ruben Amorim.
Van Gaal struggled to bring glory back to United and only lasted two seasons as he ended his reign by winning the FA Cup.
Dan Ashworth 'set Man Utd back a year' with axed director's only transfer window
'Nani threw me under the bus at Man Utd - Sir Alex Ferguson nearly exploded with anger'
Now the Dutchman has taken time out to reflect on his memories of Kath after working with her from 2014 to 2016 and sent condolences to her family after learning of her sad passing.
In a note sent to the Athletic, the Dutchman said: "It is a sad period for Manchester 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 P.A. In my last season we won the FA Cup and who sent me a nice summary with the [photos] from the final? Right, Kath! I will always remember her as my sweet smiley P.A. Rest in peace, Kath!"
A number of United figures have made touching tributes to Phipps after sharing a close relationship with her
Current boss Amorim was one of the first figures at United to pay tribute to Phipps as he recalled meeting her during an educational visit to Old Trafford in 2017 while studying to become a coach.
"Yeah, you feel it today, it's a sad day,’ he said. ‘Everybody talks about lady Kathy. I met her seven years ago during the internship, she was the lady behind the reception.
"And you feel it, the love, the way Darren Fletcher speaks about her. She was a really important person here that represents everything about this club; friendly, professional, taking care of everybody. It's a sad day."
Rooney posted his own tribute for Phipps this week, calling her "the heart and soul of Manchester United", adding: "Everything what the club is about. A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy."
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.