Manchester United have paid tribute to Denis Law, with legends laying a wreath, a minute’s applause and flags at half mast at Old Trafford.
The family of the former United and Scotland striker said he died on Friday at the age of 84. Known by fans as “The King”, Law scored 237 goals in 404 appearances for the club.
He was the last surviving member of United‘s so-called “holy trinity” along with Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best – and part of the club’s famous 1968 European Cup triumph.
Ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Brighton and Hove Albion, the club played Lily The Pink – a song that fans used to sing chants about Law.
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The two teams were then led out by bagpipes playing Flower Of Scotland in tribute before former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson laid a wreath on the pitch flanked by the club’s legends.
Speaking to MUTV before the match, Sir Alex said: “Once you knew Denis and saw him as a player, you just thought ‘wow, this is a player’. There is a saying in Scotland, ‘who do you think you are? Denis Law?’.
“He was the best Scottish player of all time. He was a fantastic player. He epitomises Scotland, fighting away, having a fight in an empty house. He was an incredible human being.”
Flags around the stadium were flying at half mast as a poem was read out, before the stadium held a minute’s applause as United players – wearing black armbands – stood with their heads bowed.
A prolific striker, Law signed for United for a then British record transfer fee in 1962, and is the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964.
He is also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford – one on the Stretford End concourse, the other as part of the United Trinity statue overlooking the stadium’s forecourt beside fellow great George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Fans had left scarves, messages and flowers at the Trinity statue ahead of kick-off on Sunday.
It was previously announced in August 2021 that he had been diagnosed with dementia.
In a statement on Friday, United said: “Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84.
“He will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.
“The ultimate goalscorer, 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.”
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A tribute from the Scotland national team said Law was “a true great”, adding: “We will not see his likes again.”
Law also made 55 appearances for Scotland, scoring 30 goals, making him the country’s joint top international goalscorer, alongside fellow great Kenny Dalglish.
He also played for Huddersfield Town, Manchester City, and Italian club Torino during his club career.
