WAYNE ROONEY called Kath Phipps “the heart and soul of Manchester United” as tributes from players past and present poured in following the long-serving receptionist’s death at the age of 85.

A lifelong fan, she was an immensely popular figure with players, managers and staff at a club she joined four months after Sir Matt Busby led them to European Cup glory in 1968.

Phipps initially worked at Old Trafford in the stadium offices and on matchdays, before Sir Alex Ferguson brought her to their Carrington training ground in 2000.