Beckham posts emotional tribute to Man Utd's much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps

David Beckham has paid tribute to Manchester United's much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after she passed away at the age of 85.

United announced news of her passing on Thursday and shared a heartfelt 454-word statement to honour Phipps, who worked for 55 years in a variety of roles at the club.

In the tribute, United hailed Phipps as an 'omnipresent figure since the late 1960s' and a 'one-woman institution'.

Several former United players and staff members also paid tribute to Phipps and Beckham penned his own message to her on Thursday evening.

Taking to Instagram alongside a photo of him holding Phipps' hand, Beckham said: '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.

'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, who appeared in Beckham's Netflix documentary about his life, started 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 - with Beckham admitting the 'amazing' receptionist 'really deserved' the honour for her services to football and United in general.

In a statement earlier 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.'

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.

Fellow ex-United skipper Patrice Evra, displayed a photograph of him hugging Phipps and said: 'Losing a family member is never easy.'

Man United loanee Jadon Sancho - who currently plays for Chelsea - also penned an emotional farewell to Phipps on social media.

Sancho wrote: 'I'm grateful that I've had the pleasure of meeting you. Such a lovely kind hearted soul. She always made sure I was OK and always put a smile on my face whenever I felt down, I appreciate you Kath.

'My condolences go out to her family through this tough time'.

Former Red Devil Scott McTominay, now at Italian club Napoli, added: 'You were loved and adored by everybody Kath. You made me smile each and every time I saw you and could brighten up any room you walked into. Rest in peace'.

Mike Phelan - who worked alongside legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson - also paid a touching tribute to Phipps. He said: 'RIP Kath Phipps. The Real Assistant Manager'.

United legend Rio Ferdinand added: 'Kath. An absolute mainstay of Manchester United.

'Always welcomed me and everyone else who visited with a warm smile! Looked at life positively, incredibly selfless & would put others first! RIP'.

Club legend Paul Scholes was another who shared an emotional tribute to Phipps as he posted: 'The heart and soul of our special football club, will be sadly missed by all and impossible to replace... RIP Kath'.

It didn't take long for United to release an emotional tribute to Phipps in the form of a two minute video on social media.

The caption to the video read: 'In loving memory of Kath Phipps: friend, confidant and treasured colleague. United will never be the same.'

Speaking in 2022 after she collected her Service to Football Award alongside Sir Alex 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.

'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.'