Manchester United paid a heart-warming tribute to club legend Denis Law before their match against Brighton after his death aged 84 was announced on Friday.
The players walked out to the Flower of Scotland tune and there was a chorus of applause as Sir Alex Ferguson laid a wreath on the centre circle.
A poem was read out in his honour as the stadium fell silent, with United legends Pat Crerand, Alex Stepney, and Brian Kidd all present.
Old Trafford then burst out into another round of applause and song before kick-off.
A Ballon d’Or winner in 1964, Law won the European Cup, two English titles and the FA Cup in his 11 years at Old Trafford between 1962 and 1973. He is United’s third-highest goal scorer of all time behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton with 237 in 404 games, and Scotland’s joint top scorer with 30 goals from his 55 caps.
Law, who revealed in August 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, is one of the United Trinity immortalised in a statue at Old Trafford alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton. To fans, he was simply known as The King.
Manchester United paid a touching tribute to the legendary Denis Law on Sunday afternoon
Players, club legends, and fans clapped and listened to a poem read out in the Scot’s honour
Manchester United legend Law (pictured) passed away on Friday at the age of 84
Bruno Fernandes also carried on flowers to be laid in memory of the iconic forward
Banners hailed Law as ‘the King’ as fans from both sides paid their respects to him
A statement from the Law family on Friday night read: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
‘We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.’
He tackled his health struggles with the same courage he showed on the football pitch. But the degenerative brain disease did take its toll on Law, and in March 2023, he bravely opened up about how his wife, Diana, had come to his aid when he needed her most.
Born in Aberdeen, Law began his career with Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and also played in Italy for Torino.
United also issued a statement on Friday night, saying: ‘Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84. With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.
‘The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.’
Law was the sixth member of the United squad that won the European Cup under Sir Matt Busby to suffer from dementia.
Charlton, who passed away in October 2023, Nobby Stiles, Tony Dunne, David Herd and Bill Foulkes were also diagnosed before their deaths.
Law, posing alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton, formed the United Trinity with Charlton and George Best, and the trio have a statue to honour them outside Old Trafford
Law also scored 30 goals for Scotland and played at the 1974 World Cup
Former United captain Bryan Robson led the tributes to Law on Friday night, saying: ‘We have lost one of football’s giants both as a player and a gentleman. It’s incredibly sad.
‘Denis was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man. So generous with his time and everything delivered with that great sense of humour of his.
‘He would always be in my greatest ever Manchester United XI. He was a player so many of his peers idolised and with good reason, that iconic image of him with his sleeves pulled down and the one arm salute after scoring.
‘I was a little nervous on first meeting him when I joined the club, as with Sir Bobby Charlton. But I had even more respect for Denis once I met him. He was just so warm in his welcome and I had an instant regard for the man he was, and the personality he had.
‘I was lucky enough to work alongside him for so many events in an ambassadorial role and that wicked sense of humour, no matter what the occasion, always shone through. He was always so full of life, and invariably with a cup of tea in his hand.
‘No one could represent what Manchester United stood for better than him: full of flair on the pitch and a gentleman off it.’
Former United captain Gary Neville, who like many of Fergie’s stars became close to Law, told Sky Sports: ‘(He will be missed) an awful lot. An incredible player, I know that he was SAF’s fave player.
‘When you speak to people of that generation, they always name Denis Law as their favourite player. Great humour and wit but always humble. Carried no arrogance about his football career.
Law was awarded a CBE in the 2016 New Years Honours for services to football and charity
Gary Neville paid an emotional tribute to Law, hailing him an ‘incredible player’ and ‘great person’
Many tributes flooded in for Law, who was also a legendary player for Scotland
‘He was a great person to be with. Man United fans all over the world will remember him for a very long time,’ he added.
‘(Denis) was absolutely brilliant company. He was humble in his greatness. A great story teller, would give great advice, and did a lot of good outside of the game.
‘He’s done incredible work (with his trust) in terms of raising his voice around issue like Alzheimer’s. He was brave on the pitch and brave off the pitch. Very sadly missed,’ said Neville.
Law is immortalised with two statues at Old Trafford including the United Trinity statue alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton that is centre-stage in the stadium’s forecort.
Former players, club executives and supporters have been laying flowers, scarves, and wreathes at the statue since Law’s death and United CEO Omar Berrada attended to pay his respects on Saturday.
The Spaniard lay a wreath and paid a moment of respect to Law while spectators milled around Old Trafford.
Scottish giants Rangers were among the first to pay tribute.
‘The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with the Law family at this sad time,’ the club wrote on X in response to United’s announcement.
Law (left) and George Best (right) won United’s first European Cup together in 1968 and are immortalised at Old Trafford
United CEO Omar Berrada laid flowers in respect of Law’s memory at Old Trafford on Saturday
Denis Law leaned on his wife Diana (left) for strength in his final years after being diagnosed with dementia
The Scottish FA added: ‘A true great. We will not see his likes again. Denis Law. 1940-2025.’
Man City – who he joined straight from United in 1973 for a second time – stated: ‘The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time.’
Former united player and assistant head coach Mike Phelan referenced the famous United Trilogy in his own tribute, writing: ‘RIP Denis Law. Some forward line upstairs now.’
Liverpool’s official account recounted a famous quote from their own legendary former figure Bill Shankly about Law, writing: ‘Sending condolences from all of us at LFC.
‘Denis was a rival player but so highly thought of. As Bill Shankly once said, “Denis Law could dance on eggshells.” Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this very sad time.’
Another of Law’s former clubs, Huddersfield Town, remembered the great Scot as ‘an immortal of the sport’.
‘All at Huddersfield Town are profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Denis Law. A legend of not only our great Club, but an immortal of the sport as a whole, he will be deeply missed and his memory cherished by us all.
‘Our collective thoughts are with Denis’ family and loved ones at this time. Once a Terrier, always a Terrier.’
Scotland and Red Devils icon Lou Macari echoed the sentiment shared my many, writing: ‘RIP Denis. One of Scotland’s finest, a United legend and a terrific man. A sad day for football and our hearts go out to his family.’
Fellow former United player Brian Kidd added, as per Andy Mitten: ‘He was slight, with the heart of a lion.
‘An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal. He said to me: “If you’re ever wide, don’t look up, put the cross in early. If I’m not there it’s my fault”.
‘He was usually there. Sir Matt loved him. We all did. He was the King of the Stretford End.’
