Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has gifted a long-time club receptionist a bouquet of flowers after winning a much-deserved award on Tuesday.
Kath Phipps has been at Old Trafford for 54 years, having secured a job at United in 1968. She has been a true mainstay throughout United’s history over the past half-century and was recognised for her dedication at the League Managers Association awards evening.
Kath was bestowed the Service to Football award, something Sir Alex Ferguson said she “thoroughly deserved”. Speaking to club media, the prize winner said: "I just get up every morning as a happy person.
READ MORE: ‘Would be insane’ - Manchester United fans divided over Old Trafford redevelopment ideas
“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."
Gary Neville and David Beckham paid tribute to the club hero, the latter of which said: "There's no greater award that's deserved more than the one you're getting tonight." Now Mata has become the latest to congratulate Kath for her efforts.
The Spaniard, who is set to leave United when his contract expires next month, gave a heartfelt gift of flowers to Kath, before posting a selfie of the pair on social media. He captioned it: “Congrats on your award Kath! You embody what Manchester United is about. At the club since 1968. The best.”
Neville also took to social media to pay testament to Kath’s “amazing” work. “Every time I see her It makes me feel more proud to have played for the club,” he wrote.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season
