'We can't imagine the place without her' - tributes to Phipps

Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford and David de Gea are among the Manchester United players past and present to have paid tribute to former colleague Kath Phipps, who has died at the age of 85.

The club described Phipps as "an omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s", having worked in a variety of roles for more than 55 years.

Rooney, United's all-time leading goalscorer who is now manager of Championship side Plymouth, 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."

Current captain Bruno Fernandes reposted the club's announcement with a heart emoji, while England international forward Rashford said: "Awful news, admired by all at the club and beyond, you will be missed."

Defender Harry Maguire said that Phipps was "a legend that will never be forgotten", while former United goalkeeper De Gea wrote: "Such a wonderful woman! Thanks for taking care of everyone."

The club said in a statement: "A childhood United fan from Irlam, Kath became the Reds' switchboard operator in September 1968, shortly after the Reds' first European Cup success, and was soon forging friendships with Sir Matt Busby, Jimmy Murphy and United's star-studded squad, spending countless hours with Ballon d'Or winners George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law as they signed autographs to send to their fans.

"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."