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      Inside Man Utd chaos with Dan Ashworth axed just five months into job as Amorim’s ‘storm coming’ words come true

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      THE blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.Dan Ashworth has left his role at Man UtdCredit: ZenpixAshworth lasted just five months under Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PAThere is word Ashworth did not favour appointing new head coach Ruben AmorimCredit: AlamySunSport exclusively revealed last month that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them.READ MORE IN footballMeanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.There is word Ashworth did not favour appointing his successor and new head coach Ruben Amorim, preferring an English manager with more experience in our game.Perhaps that was why ex-England gaffer Gareth Southgate’s name was always mentioned after they worked together at the FA.Either way, Saturday’s showing against Nottingham Forest, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWas it the sight of the ineffective Joshua Zirkzee coming on as a sub that finally did it?You see, the 23-year-old Dutchman was thought to be a good buy at £36.5million. Ten Hag did not agree but had the player forced upon him.Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85That is on Ashworth.Already the club are looking to offload the flop forward.The word from Old Trafford was that Ratcliffe had issued a ‘liberating decree’ when he arrived on his white charger after acquiring 27.7 per cent of the club last February.Instead, it all just gets worse. They are locked in a mess of their own making, and nobody seems to have the key to get them out.Ashworth was supposed to have it, but he spent as much time on gardening leave from Newcastle as he did overseeing much-needed change at Old Trafford.He walked through the post-match media area with a security guard and the club’s chief operating officer, Collette Roche, around 30 minutes after the full-time whistle following the 3-2 loss on Saturday.It was odd as he marched with his head down without exchanging pleasantries.As we go through that process, we are constantly learning about what the best structure will be to help us to win.Manchester United statement He was on his way to the boardroom in the East Stand to finally agree to part ways.He was apparently “not a good fit”.Although he seems to have been everywhere else he worked.But a disagreement with the others brought in to put the former foot-balling juggernaut back on the right path had done for him.The explanation from the club was that the decision had been made “collaboratively following a period of transition for the club”.Yet it was Ashworth who was supposed to be central to that transition.It was also said to be a “difficult decision”. The club stressed that they have been building “a new team and structure here at pace”.’This is down to Ratcliffe’They added: “As we go through that process, we are constantly learning about what the best structure will be to help us to win.”So, the much-sought-after Ashworth, whom the club fought so hard to have released from Toon and paid £3m in compensation for, is now felt not good enough to be part of that ‘structure’.This is down to Ratcliffe, who is already vying with the Glazers as the most unpopular man at the club.If a mutual agreement was done collaboratively, it makes you wonder why Ashworth was at Old Trafford on Saturday. Or had tea cups flown in the directors’ room afterwards?The sheer enormity of the job on everyone’s hands at Old Trafford appears to be proving too much.Not a single boss, chief executive, technical director or whatever has gotten to grips with it.Everyone has an idea of what to do but from the outside it looks like nobody has a clue. And in the meantime a whopping £1.6BILLION has been spent on players post Sir Alex Ferguson.Wilcox is now in charge of recruitment but there is nothing left to recruit anyone with.Spending rules, cost-cutting, payments to departing staff, and a massive wage bill for under-performing stars have all stymied the club.There will be no big signings in January, nor next summer.The club is stuck with this lot and they are simply not good enough.READ MORE SUN STORIESAshworth knows it, everybody knows it. Amorim said there was ‘a storm coming’.It has well and truly hit. More

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      Axed Man Utd director Dan Ashworth ‘frogmarched out of Old Trafford’ by alternative exit hours before contract ripped up

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      DAN ASHWORTH was reportedly “frogmarched” out of a hidden Old Trafford exit after agreeing to leave Manchester United.The sporting director’s time at the club has come to an end after just five months.Dan Ashworth was escorted out of Old Trafford after his exit was sealedCredit: PAUnited pushed hard to add him to their boardroom in the summer, paying Newcastle £3million in compensation.But following crunch talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night, Ashworth quit by “mutual consent”, according to a United statement.Manchester Evening News claim he was seen looking “grim-faced” as he trudged across the press room yesterday. He was “escorted” out an “alternative exit” by a member of security and United’s chief operating officer Collette Roche.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAshworth was did not leave through the usual directors’ entrance or Stretford End tunnel.Journalist Samuel Luckhurst wrote on social media: “In retrospect, perhaps he was frogmarched out.”Ashworth and other senior club figures are responsible for handing Erik ten Hag a new contract, only to sack him 14 games later.And they were in charge of the summer transfer business that saw them spend £200m on Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe 53-year-old chief claimed he “liked” the squad earlier this season.But SunSport exclusively revealed last month that the summer spending spree and Ten Hag’s failure caused a blame game to begin in the boardroom.Crystal Palace chief Dougie Freedman is favourite to replace Ashworth, having been linked with the job before.Man Utd’s Player Ratings Against Nottingham Forest More

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      Next Man Utd sporting director odds revealed with TWO ex-bosses and Prem icon among frontrunners to replace Dan Ashworth

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      THE odds on who will replace Dan Ashworth at Manchester United have been revealed – and two familiar faces are in the market.Ashworth, 53, has quit as sporting director just five months after arriving at Old Trafford.Dan Ashworth has left Man Utd following showdown talksCredit: ReutersDougie Freedman is the bookies’ favourite to replace himCredit: ReutersHe held crunch talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night and left by mutual consent, a United statement said.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly been pivotal in Ashworth’s exit and is now on the lookout for a new chief.The bookies have Crystal Palace director of football Dougie Freedman (2/1) as the frontrunner.Freedman, who came close to getting the job instead of Ashworth, has been credited for several successful Palace signings such as Marc Guehi and Michael Olise.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBonusCodeBets have Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta (4/1) and Juventus’ Cristiano Giuntoli (6/1) next on their list.United could get Lee Congerton (16/1) out of the former Leicester and Atalanta supremo’s contract at Al-Ahli.While AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini is priced the same following his four years as the Italian giants’ technical director.If Ratcliffe wants to poach another Newcastle chief like he did with Ashworth, his successor Paul Mitchell (20/1) could be an option.Most read in FootballHe was linked to the Man Utd job before Ineos’ takeover was completed last Christmas.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOdds on Ashworth’s replacement Dougie Freedman – 2/1Andrea Berta – 4/1Cristiano Giuntoli – 6/1 Lee Congerton – 12/1Paolo Maldini – 16/1Paul Mitchell – 20/1Julian Ward – 25/1Ralf Rangnick – 33/1Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – 50/1via BonusCodeBets.Ex-Liverpool chief Julian Ward (25/1) is another alternative, but he is currently working for Reds owner FSG.Perhaps United will perform a shock U-turn and bring Ralf Rangnick (33/1) back after he never got to fill his planned role consultancy role due to him stepping in as interim boss.Man Utd’s Player Ratings Against Nottingham Forest The German claimed he needed to perform “open-heart surgery” to fix things at the club.But he is unlikely to put his scrubs on as he is currently Austria’s manager.But another ex-United boss who is out of work is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (50/1).His return is highly unlikely given he has never been a sporting director before.Ralf Rangnick is an outsider to seal a shock return to Old TraffordCredit: GettyOle Gunnar Solskjaer is unlikely to get the jobCredit: AFP More

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      ‘We wish him well’ – Man Utd issue brutal 41-word statement after Dan Ashworth leaves club after just five months

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have released a brutal statement to confirm the departure of Dan Ashworth.The sporting director has surprisingly left the club after just five months.Dan Ashworth has left the club by mutual consentCredit: ReutersSir Jim Ratcliffe was a driving force behind his exit, with Ashworth’s time over following a meeting with Omar Berrada, seen here between Sir Dave Brailsford and AshworthCredit: GettyUnited confirmed the news in a short statement, which read: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.”We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.”Ashworth held showdown talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night and decided to end his time at Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was pivotal in pushing for a shock boardroom shake-up.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAshworth’s move from Newcastle has “not worked out” and SunSport exclusively revealed last month the United hierarchy were involved in a blame game over the transfer business in the summer.It comes after the Red Devils had difficulty getting him out of a gardening leave period he took after he departed St James’ Park.The two sides agreed on a £3million compensation deal.Ashworth then went on to spend £183m on Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui in the first transfer window under Ineos leadership.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the chief was involved in the decision to eventually keep then manager Erik ten Hag and offer him a new contract.But just 14 matches later, they made a U-turn and sacked him. Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’Before his arrival in Manchester, Ratcliffe hailed Ashworth as “clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world”.But the owner claimed yesterday that United are still far behind where they need to be in terms of a recruitment structure.Ratcliffe said: “We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data analysis comes alongside recruitment. “It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.“There’s an immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here.”These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. “It’s all about people and we need to find the right people.”Who is Dan Ashworth?DAN ASHWORTH is a true footballing man who has progressed through the game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He never made it to the top as a player, instead featuring for a number of non-league sides and in the US.After hanging up his boots he quickly moved into the backroom, landing his first job at Peterborough.His big break came at West Brom, before he moved on to the Three Lions job where he was instrumental in creating ‘England’s DNA’.Two roles with Premier League clubs followed before Man Utd swooped in the summer.So what’s next for Ashworth?READ HIS FULL STORY HERE: More

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      ‘You don’t deserve anything if you’re being outrun every single week’ – Neville slams Man Utd after ‘shambles’ defeat

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      GARY NEVILLE has launched a scathing attack on Manchester United following their embarrassing defeat to Nottingham Forest.The Red Devils suffered a 3-2 defeat to Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, their second straight loss under new gaffer Ruben Amorim.Manchester United suffered an embarrassing 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest on SaturdayCredit: REUTERSThe defeat was the second of Ruben Amorim’s short spell in charge of the Red DevilsCredit: REXFormer Red Devil Neville launched a scathing attack on his former side after the matchCredit: PAIt came before United announced sporting director Dan Ashworth has left after just five months.Amorim made several changes to the side who lost 2-0 to Arsenal on Wednesday night, much to the annoyance of former United star Gary Neville.He told NBC Sports: “When you keep changing players and you keep changing your back three and you take five players off, you’re basically saying to all of them, because they’ve obviously been taken off at the start of the game, that you don’t trust them.”Ten Hag kept doing that a few weeks ago when he kept changing the back players, changing the midfield.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”All of a sudden you’ve got a completely different system, a completely different set of players on the pitch at the end of the game. You can never get consistency.”It looked really scruffy. They looked a mess at the end United with no real shape. “In the first half they weren’t brilliant but at least they had a shape to them.”Pick an XI that you think are the best. Almost give that XI the faith and trust. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”[Enzo] Maresca’s doing it now at Chelsea – he’s playing an XI on a Sunday or a Saturday and then he’s playing a different XI in midweek.”He’s sending some messages to the players that there’s stability here and this is what we’re going to do.Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85″When you change players all the time you’re just spinning plates and there’s no consistency.”You need to build patterns together. You need to build that idea of what you are doing together.”Neville was equally as annoyed by United stars not putting the hard yards in on the pitch.The Sky Sports pundit continued: “No good team is ever a good team without hard work.”Manchester United are 13th in the league. Their running stats, their distance covered is 16th in the league.”You don’t deserve anything if you’re being outrun every single week.”Neville’s former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand offered a brutal one-word assessment of the result, writing on X: “Shambles.”Ruben Amorim lamented Manchester United’s starts to the each halfCredit: REXAmorim, 39, didn’t mince his words after the final whistle, telling Sky Sports: “It was a tough game. We started the two halves really bad.”It was hard to pass on some calm to the players and continue the game as we should do.”We had not a lot of quality but a lot of heart. Suffering two goals after half time in this context is really hard.”We need more time to put positionings in.”If you see the first goal it was good combination between the players and after the first goal we had good moments, creating chances but then we went forward without thinking.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a tough context but we have to understand this is a long journey and that’s what our jobs are.”United will be back in action on Thursday, taking on Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League. More

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      Dan Ashworth leaves Man Utd after just five months with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ordering shock boardroom shake-up

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      DAN ASHWORTH has left Manchester United following showdown talks last night.The sporting director’s shock exit comes after just five months at Old Trafford. Dan Ashworth has left Man Utd after just five monthsCredit: PASir Jim Ratcliffe has played a huge role in the boardroom shake-upCredit: AlamyAshworth was involved in the club’s summer transfer business and the decision to keep – and then sack – Erik ten HagCredit: GettySunSport exclusively revealed three weeks ago how United’s new hierarchy were locked in a blame game over their summer business.Ashworth joined the club in July following a lengthy gardening leave period after he quit Newcastle.The 53-year-old was appointed by Man Utd to oversee “performance, recruitment and operations”, with the Red Devils agreeing to pay £3million in compensation to the Toon.But following showdown talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest last night, Ashworth quit by mutual consent.READ MORE ON MAN UTDA club statement read: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.”We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.”The Athletic claims Sir Jim Ratcliffe was pivotal in the call to part ways.Ashworth played a huge role in United’s £183million summer spending spree during the first transfer window under Ineos leadership.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe club signed Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee and Noussair Mazraoui. Ashworth was also involved in the decision to initially keep Erik ten Hag and hand him a new contract, only to for him to be sacked just 14 games later.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to replace Old Trafford with a ‘Wembley of the North’The former FA chief, who was credited with creating the “England DNA”, was quoted in the statements confirming every signing.But we did not hear from him on Ten Hag’s axing or on the appointment of Ruben Amorim. Ashworth’s departure comes as a huge shock to many, with one fan saying: “Man Utd waited longer to get Ashworth out of Newcastle than he has lasted in the job. Mad.”Another added: “Utterly embarrassing and the amount of time and money to secure him. The direction of the club is meant to be based on the structure and at this moment that feels insecure. Shambles.”But others defended the decision, commenting: “If someone isn’t working, then get rid. No point keeping someone if its not working.”Ratcliffe previously hailed Ashworth as “clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world”.But he was apparently not a good “fit”, according to the Mail. But yesterday he suggested United are still miles behind where they need to be when it comes to transfers.United chiefs have been at war over their summer spending spreeCredit: GettyRatcliffe said: “We’ve not been good enough at recruitment, you probably agree with that. Everybody would agree with that.”And until we’re as good as anyone in the world, then it’s not good enough for Manchester United.”We must have the best recruitment in the world. Data analysis comes alongside recruitment. It doesn’t really exist here. We’re still in the last century on data analysis here.“There’s an immense amount of useful data that we can get from data analysis and we’re in the ‘very poor’ bracket with data analysis here.”These things don’t happen overnight. You can’t just flick a light switch and sort out recruitment. It’s all about people and we need to find the right people.”Who is Dan Ashworth?DAN ASHWORTH is a true footballing man who has progressed through the game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He never made it to the top as a player, instead featuring for a number of non-league sides and in the US.After hanging up his boots he quickly moved into the backroom, landing his first job at Peterborough.His big break came at West Brom, before he moved on to the Three Lions job where he was instrumental in creating ‘England’s DNA’.Two roles with Premier League clubs followed before Man Utd swooped in the summer.So what’s next for Ashworth?READ HIS FULL STORY HERE:As for Amorim, he said in his first press conference after joining last month that he wants the final say on transfers.He explained: “Everybody has to work together and for that we have to improve the process of recruitment, the data, the profile of players we want.”But I have to have a strong position on that because I am the coach. I know how to play, so I think it’s all together but the final word should be the manager.”Not just because it’s your right but your responsibility. Because, in the end, the result is to me, so I think it’s all together to improve the process of recruitment.”I have a great responsibility when we choose players because this is something that should be done this way. I’m the manager, the head coach, so I have to choose the players.”When Ashworth’s Newcastle exit and United arrival was finally secured, he said: “This remains one of the biggest football clubs in the world, but that is not our measure of success; the focus is on getting back to being among the best on the pitch. “It won’t happen overnight, but, together with Omar and his new leadership team, we will not rest until we have achieved it.“Although I grew up in Norfolk, I’ve always had a strong attachment with Manchester because my mum and dad were born in Middleton and my grandparents lived their whole lives there.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When I visited as a boy, my dad would take me to games across Greater Manchester and I remember the thrill of my first visit to Old Trafford in the late 1970s, watching the likes of Lou Macari, Jimmy Nicholl and Arthur Albiston.“I can’t claim to have been a partisan United fan – my dad enjoyed watching all the local teams – but I remember the special buzz that always seemed to surround games at Old Trafford, and it’s something I have experienced many times since during my career in football.”United’s summer transfer signingsArrivals:Leny Yoro (Lille) – £52mManuel Ugarte (PSG) – £50mMatthijs De Ligt (Bayern) – £43mJoshua Zirkzee (Bologna) – £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui (Bayern) – £16mSekou Kone (Guidars) – £1m More

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      Man Utd player ratings: Bruno Fernandes involved in everything positive but Andre Onana has absolute shocker

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      MANCHESTER UNTED slipped to another defeat with goalkeeper Andre Onana coming under fire again. The United stopper was at fault for Morgan Gibbs-White’s riffler that wrong-footed Onana.Nottingham Forest beat Man Utd 3-2Credit: AFPChris Wood got the deciding third goal for Forest despite Bruno Fernandes pulling one back. Here is how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated United’s players from Old Trafford. ANDRE ONANA – 3Had an absolute shocker. For the second Forest goal Morgan Gibbs-White shot is straight down the middle along the floor. READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt maybe swerves a foot at most and he somehow couldn’t stop it. For the third he just let it loop over his head. He cannot command his area. LENY YORO – 6 The 19-year-old was making his first start for United and immediately looked unphased. Ruben Amorim has high hopes for someone he calls ‘a special talent’. He is easing him into the team after his summer injury and subbed him just past the hour. Most read in FootballMATTHIJS DE LIGT – 5 Amorim has tasked him with bringing the ball out from the back to set United moves going. Looked good in the first balf but what was he doing for Forest’s third as he let Chris Wood’s header go thinking it was going wide. Lisandro Martinez lack of height was on show at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersLISANDRO MARTINEZ – 4 It was said his lack of height would not be a problem but it was after 80 seconds here as Nikola Milenkovic headed home on 80 seconds.Then for Forest’s third he didn’t known what to do as the ball went over him at the far post.AMAD DIALLO – 7 Looking more and more like a United star with his positive forward runs from his new wing-back role. Had a couple of good chances himself but shots were weak, then made a great run and cut back before setting up Fernandes for United’s second. MANUEL UGARTE – 7 Looked constantly concerned with his defensive duties and understandably. Is a solid presence on the pitch though and a decent buy compared to plenty of others. Ugarte constantly concerned with his defensive duties and understandablyCredit: ReutersKOBBIE MAINOO – 6 Ugarte was having a good game in front of the back three allowing Mainoo to get further forward in the second-half when he became more of a threat. DIOGO DALOT – 6 Compared to Amad on the opposite flank did not have much of an influence. Got forward a lot more in the second-half. BRUNO FERNANDES – 7 Was always involved. But does the captain really have to contest every single decision the referee makes against his team. Made up for his loose pass that gave away possession for Forest’s second by scoring a fine goal himself. Bruno Fernandes pulled one back for UtdCredit: GettyRASMUS HOJLUND – 6 That’s three goals in three games after his pair against Bodo Glimt but there is still not enough movement from the front man. ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 5 Not his best game and looked far from happy when he was hauled off early in the second-half for Marcus Rashford.Alejandro Garnacho looked far from happy when he was hauled offCredit: RexSUBSTITUTIONS:MARCUS RASHFORD (for Garnacho, 58) – 6 These are the games he should be starting and starring in but that’s just not the case. MAZRAOUI (for Yoro 66) – 6 One of those the recruitment team did at least get right.HARRY MAGUIRE (for De Ligt 65) – 6 When Amorim decides on his best starting eleven Maguire should be in it. JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (for Ugarte 76) – 5 Not surprisingly failed to have an impact. READ MORE SUN STORIESMASON MOUNT (for Fernandes 76) – 6 Amorim has high hopes for him but he is still to convince the United faithful. Needs a long injury free run. Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85 More

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      Man Utd pay emotional tribute to much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps after tragic passing aged 85

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      MANCHESTER UNITED paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps following her passing. Kath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles from receptionist to telephone switchboard operator.Manchester United paid an emotional tribute to their much-loved receptionist Kath PhippsCredit: GettyPlayers and staff of take part in a minute’s silenceCredit: GettyBruno Fernandes leads the tributesCredit: PAKath with BeckhamShe was a hugely popular figure with the likes of David Beckham paying tribute to her. Now United have done the same as they brought flowers on to the pitch before their match at Old Trafford against Nottingham Forest.They also had a banner which read, “Thank you, Kath. United legend”, while there was a minute’s silence before kick off.United had expressed their “sadness” and “heartbreak” at Kath’s passing, and tributes have poured in from fans.READ MORE IN footballA statement read: “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.Most read in Football”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. Ruben Amorim pays touching tribute to Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after first meeting seven years ago “She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her. Rest in peace, Kath.”Kath’s first role at the club was as a telephone switchboard operator, in 1968 when Sir Matt Busby was in charge.Fast forward 18 years and she was one of the first members of staff to welcome Sir Alex Ferguson to the club, and he later moved her over from Old Trafford to Carrington.Kath also built a bond with the players and even appeared in Netflix’s David Beckham documentary.In May 2022 Kath was honoured with a Service to Football Award – Beckham paid tribute to her afterwards saying the “amazing” receptionist “really deserved” the accolade “for her services to football, but more importantly for services to the club I love and you love”.He said she used to be “the first person I would see when I walked into the training ground reception” and he would be “forever grateful to her” for dealing with letters from his fans.SunSport also revealed how Beckham secretly visited Kath at her home before her passing. Sir Alex said she was “and continues to be a great servant to the club” and the award was “thoroughly deserved”.READ MORE SUN STORIESWayne Rooney lead the tributes to Kath, saying: “The heart and soul of Man Utd. Everything what the club is about.”A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.”Kath worked for United for 55 years, first serving under Sir Matt Busby in 1968Credit: Reuters More