Manchester United have paid a moving tribute to club legend Denis Law ahead of their match against Brighton after his death aged 84 was announced on Friday.
The players came out to the sound of the Flower of Scotland and there was a chorus of applause as Sir Alex Ferguson laid a wreath on the halfway line of the pitch.
A poem was read in his honor as the stadium fell silent, with United legends Pat Crerand, Alex Stepney and Brian Kidd present.
Old Trafford erupted into another round of applause and singing before kick-off.
Winner of the Ballon d'Or 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 top scorer of all time behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton. with 237 in 404 matches and Scotland's joint top scorer with 30 goals in his 55 international matches.
Law, who revealed in August 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, is one of the United Trinity immortalized in a statue at Old Trafford alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton. To fans, he was simply known as The King.
Manchester United legend Law (pictured) died on Friday aged 84.
A statement from the Law family on Friday evening read: “It is with great sadness that we inform you that our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but is finally at peace now.
'We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his well-being and care, in the past and much more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made a difference. Thank you.'
He tackled his health problems with the same bravery he showed on the football field. But the degenerative brain disease took its toll on Law, and in March 2023, he bravely spoke about how his wife, Diana, had come to his aid when he needed it most.
Born in Aberdeen, Law began his career at Huddersfield Town, spent two seasons at Manchester City and also played in Italy with 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 at the age of 84. With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club's greatest and most loved players.
'The top scorer, his style, spirit and love of the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences to Denis' family and many friends. His memory will live forever.”
Law was the sixth member of United's European Cup-winning team with Sir Matt Busby to suffer from dementia.
Charlton, who died in October 2023, Nobby Stiles, Tony Dunne, David Herd and Bill Foulkes were also diagnosed before they died.
Former United captain Bryan Robson led tributes to Law on Friday night, saying: “We have lost one of the giants of football, as a player and as a gentleman.” It's incredibly sad.
“Denis was more than a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man. Very generous with his time and everything delivered with that great sense of humor of his.
Law, posing alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton, formed United Trinity with Charlton and George Best, and the trio have a statue in their honor outside Old Trafford.
Law also scored 30 goals for Scotland and played in the 1974 World Cup.
“He would always be in my Manchester United best XI. He was a player that many of his teammates idolized and rightly so, that iconic image of him with his sleeves rolled down and the one-armed salute after scoring.
“I was a bit nervous when I first met him when I joined the club, as was Sir Bobby Charlton. But I had even more respect for Denis once I met him. He was very warm in his welcome and I had instant respect for him. man he was and the personality he had.
'I was lucky enough to work alongside him on so many events as an ambassador and that wicked sense of humour, no matter the occasion, always shined through. He was always full of life and invariably with a cup of tea in his hand.
“No one could better represent what Manchester United stood for than him: full of style on the field 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) terribly missed.” An incredible player, I know he was the SAF's favorite player.
“When you talk to people from that generation, they always mention Denis Law as their favorite player. Great humor and wit but always humble. He didn't show any arrogance about his football career.
'He was a great person to be with. “Manchester United fans around the world will remember him for a long time,” he added.
'(Denis) was absolutely brilliant company. He was humble in his greatness. A great storyteller, he would give great advice and did a lot of good outside of the game.
Law was awarded a CBE in the 2016 New Year Honors for services to football and charity
Gary Neville paid a moving tribute to Law, calling him an “incredible player” and “great person”.
Many tributes poured in for Law, who was also a legendary player for Scotland.
'He's done an incredible job (with his confidence) in terms of raising his voice around issues like Alzheimer's. He was brave on the field and brave off the field. Very sadly missed,” Neville said.
Law is immortalized with two statues at Old Trafford, including the United Trinity statue alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, which takes center stage in the stadium's forecourt.
Former players, club executives and supporters have been laying flowers, scarves and wreaths at the statue since Law's death and United chief executive Omar Berrada attended to pay their respects on Saturday.
The Spaniard laid a wreath of flowers and paid a moment of respect to Law as spectators wandered 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.
The Scottish FA added: 'A true great. We will never see his likes again. Denis Ley. 1940-2025.'
Manchester City, where he joined directly from United in 1973 for the second time, declared: “All of Manchester, including everyone at City, is in mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Denis in this difficult time.”
Law (left) and George Best (right) won United's first European Cup together in 1968 and are immortalized at Old Trafford.
United CEO Omar Berrada laid flowers in 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.
Former United player and assistant coach Mike Phelan referenced the famous United Trilogy in his own tribute, writing: 'RIP Denis Law. Some forward line up now.
Liverpool's official account recounted a famous quote from their former legendary figure Bill Shankly about Law, writing: “Condolences are sent from all of us at LFC.
'Denis was a rival player but very considerate. 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 “a sporting immortal”.
'Everyone at Huddersfield Town is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Denis Law. A legend not only of our great Club, but an immortal of the sport as a whole, he will be deeply missed and we will all cherish his memory.
'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 he shared with many, writing: 'RIP Denis. One of Scotland's best, a United legend and a fantastic man. “It is a sad day for football and our hearts go out to his family.”
Fellow former United player Brian Kidd added, according to Andy Mitten: “He was thin, with the heart of a lion.
“An incredible finisher, he scored all kinds of goals. He told me: 'If you ever go wide, don't look up, get the cross in early.' If I'm not here, it's my fault.”
It was usually there. Sir Matt loved him. We all did it. He was the king of Stretford End.