Revealed: The former Manchester United stars including David Beckham and Ryan Giggs who visited beloved club receptionist Kath Phipps in the weeks before her tragic passing

David Beckham and Ryan Giggs were reportedly among the former Manchester United stars who visited the club’s much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps in her final weeks. 

Many of the Red Devils’ current crop, including Jonny Evans, arrived at her bedside, while legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson made regular trips to her Salford home and ex-United players Juan Mata and Mary Earps reached out from Australia and Paris respectively. 

On Thursday, the club announced the passing of Phipps, 85, who worked for United for 56 years in a variety of roles, in a heartfelt statement and announced plans to pay tribute to the woman described as an ‘omnipresent figure’.

As revealed in The Athletic, the weeks leading up to her death saw an unprecedented number of people from her ‘Manchester United family’ arrive at the door to greet her. 

The report claims that an ‘an unofficial rota’ was set up and nurses commented ‘they had never known anyone with no direct family to have so many visitors.’

Phipps began working at United as the club’s first switchboard operator back in 1968 during Sir Matt Busby’s reign. In May 2022, after over five decades of service, she was honoured with a Service to Football Award.

David Beckham and Ryan Giggs were reportedly among the former Manchester United stars who visited Kath Phipps before her death

Beckham, who flew in from the US to see Phipps, hailed her as the ‘heartbeat of Manchester United’ and said ‘Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile’ in an emotional tribute

United announced news of Phipps’ passing at the age of 85 on Thursday and paid tribute to her

Beckham penned an emotional message on Instagram this week and accompanied his post with an image of himself holding Phipps’ hand by her bedside. 

‘Forever in our hearts… The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game,’ the former Red Devils star wrote. ‘She was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her.

‘I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad: “I’ll look after your boy for you don’t you worry”, and from that first day till the last day I spent with her that’s exactly what she did .

‘Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors… We love you.’

Phipps appeared in the 2023 Netflix documentary about the Inter Miami’s owners playing career. 

Speaking in 2022 after she collected her award Ferguson and Michael Carrick, Phipps had reflected on the ‘great honour’ and opened up on her role at the club.

‘In September 1968, I just applied for the job to Les Olive and got it within a couple of days,’ she told United’s website.

‘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 cross word all these years I’ve known him. Even on matchdays. We’re like brother and sister – he talks to me like that.

Wayne Rooney was among the first to pay tribute to Phipps with an emotional post on Instagram

‘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.’

In a statement on Thursday, United had said: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.

‘An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.

‘Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes.

‘For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.

‘If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.

‘Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.

‘Rest in peace, Kath.’

United announced plans to pay tribute to Phipps, pictured meeting co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, this weekend

Several of Beckham’s former team-mates also shared similarly heartfelt messages towards Phipps.

This included Wayne Rooney, who said: ‘The heart and soul of Manchester United. Everything what the club is about. A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.’

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also posted: ‘A legend that will never be forgotten. I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath.’

Meanwhile, former Red Devils captain Gary Neville shared the club’s emotional tribute, simply adding a broken heart emoji.

On Friday United announced that a moment’s applause will take place ahead of United’s Premier League game at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The United players will also wear black armbands for the match.

United’s women’s team will pay the same tributes as they face Liverpool in their WSL match at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday.