Manchester United legend Denis Law dies aged 84

Denis Law, a celebrated football icon for Manchester United and Scotland, has died at the age of 84, prompting an outpouring of heartfelt tributes. Fondly known as “The King” at Old Trafford, Law leaves behind a remarkable legacy in football history.

A key figure in Manchester United’s European Cup triumph under manager Matt Busby in 1968, Law was part of the squad that became the first English team to claim the prestigious trophy, although he missed the final due to injury.

On the international stage, Law represented Scotland 55 times, scoring 30 goals—a record he shares with Kenny Dalglish as the nation’s joint all-time leading scorer. In 1964, he earned the distinction of being the only Scottish player to win the Ballon d’Or, cementing his status among football’s elite.

At Manchester United, Denis Law formed part of the legendary “Holy Trinity” alongside Bobby Charlton and George Best, a trio that defined an era for the club. In recent years, he faced health challenges, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in 2021.

Denis Law’s contributions to football and his enduring impact on fans and players alike will forever be remembered.

His death was confirmed on Friday “with a heavy heart” by his family, who said “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,” the statement added. “We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”

Law scored a total of 237 goals in 404 appearances during an 11-year spell at Old Trafford until 1973, which places him third behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton on United’s all-time list.

Manchester United said the club was mourning the loss of “the King of the Stretford End”.

“He will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players,” United added.

“The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.”

The Scotland national team called Law “a true great”, adding: “We will not see his likes again.”

Rooney paid tribute on X, posting: “Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.”

Former Manchester United and England captain Bryan Robson, who collaborated with Denis Law in an ambassadorial capacity at Old Trafford, praised the Scottish legend as a “truly fantastic man.”

“We have lost one of football’s giants both as a player and a gentleman. It’s incredibly sad,” Robson wrote in a column in the Daily Mail.

“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.”

Denis Law’s illustrious football journey began at Huddersfield Town, followed by two stints with Manchester City and a spell in Italy with Torino. Remarkably, Law was transferred for a British record fee on three separate occasions during his career.

While at Manchester United, Law achieved significant success, winning the FA Cup and claiming the English top-flight title twice, in 1965 and 1967. Unfortunately, a cartilage injury sidelined him from the historic 4-1 victory over Benfica in the European Cup final at Wembley in 1968.

Law holds a unique honor at Old Trafford, being the only player to have two statues in his memory—one as part of the iconic “United Trinity” alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton.

Tributes poured in from Law’s former clubs and the football community. Manchester City, the reigning English champions, expressed their grief, stating that “the whole of Manchester” was in mourning.

Responding to United’s post on social media, City added, “The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you.”

Huddersfield Town hailed their former player as an “immortal” of the sport, while Torino described him as an “iconic figure” in their history.

Beyond his playing career, Law contributed as a broadcaster and devoted himself to various charitable endeavors. Reflecting on his legacy, former Scotland international Joe Jordan described him as a “proper icon” of the game.

“Denis was a special player and to lose someone like him, I think will affect an awful lot of Manchester United fans,” Jordan told the BBC.

“A proper icon for his ability on the field to score goals but he had a special edge to him, not just as a player but as a person. He was a special player.”