In a week in which titans of the game have received tributes, it was one fan's poem that best summed up what Denis Law means to this place.
“The Stretford End, his loyal throne, where Denis Law made his greatness known,” began the poem, read as the players stood arm in arm around the center circle.
'The Lawman struck with poise and grace, the instinct of a predator, the perfect rhythm.
'With each goal the stands sang, his name on their lips, the anthem played. A blow, a volley, a supreme header, Denis turned football into a dream.
'The king of Old Trafford, fierce and sincere. In red it rose, the world flew.
'Beyond the goals, the man stood firm, a heart of gold who inspired everyone. Although the trophies shined, his pride was clear, for the fans he played year after year.
Manchester United great Denis Law sadly passed away earlier this week
Fans left flowers and other tributes next to Law's statue outside Old Trafford.
'Now time has passed but the memories remain, Law's legend will not fade. For every song, for every friend, he remains the king of Stretford End.
Every line resonated in every corner of this titanic stadium where Law called home for much of his career.
At that moment, all the fans inside Old Trafford, more than 73,000, were on their feet. Many were visibly moved by reading the poem. Some wiped tears from their eyes.
This was going to be a day of reflection and celebration, regardless of what happened during the 90 minutes of the game.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who had visited Law several times a week at his residence before his death at the age of 84 this week, was here. He went out into the field with a red scarf over his gray trench coat and a flower crown, one of many, in his hands.
He emerged to enthusiastic applause alongside Paddy Crerand, Alex Stepney and Brian Kidd.
MUTV presenters and pundits wore black as a sign of respect, while players wore black armbands.
A piper, Terry Carr, led the players to the tune of Flower of Scotland, although some sort of malfunction prevented it from being played throughout the stadium.
Fans were on their feet as Old Trafford paid their respects to the legendary player.
Outside the stadium, dozens of bouquets of red roses were buried in tribute. A large swath of the square in front of the statue of the Holy Trinity (of George Best, Law and Sir Bobby Charlton) was covered in a sea of red scarves and shirts.
A shirt from Manchester City, a club where Law spent two separate spells, even sneaked in among the tributes and many fans came to the ground hours earlier to pay their respects.
“He meant a lot to everyone and everyone at this club,” Harry Maguire said before the game of Law, who remains United's third top scorer with 237 and the only Scot to win the Ballon d'Or.
“One of the best players to ever play for the club. I didn't have the privilege of seeing him play, but I have heard a lot about him, not only as a footballer but also as a person.
“It is a sad moment for us for a great man and a true legend at this club.”
“We're going to win for Denis,” was the sentiment of the fans filtering through the Munich tunnel and through the turnstiles. The most fitting send-off with Law's family in attendance was to recap the spirit of 'The King' and put on a show on the field.
And perhaps it is the poor performance of the current crop of stars, who lost 3-1 to Brighton here, that underlined why greats like Law should be, and will always be, revered and remembered.
“Once you met Denis and saw him as a player, you thought 'wow, this is a player,'” Ferguson said yesterday.
'There's a saying in Scotland 'Who do you think you are?' Denis Law?'.
'He was the greatest Scottish player of all time. He was a fantastic player. He personifies Scotland, fighting, fighting in an empty house. He was an incredible human being.
'He had the gift of being able to bring out the micky in people when they don't know it. The good thing is that he didn't use his fame. He was so down to earth.
“He was a really competitive human being, no matter the game, that was always there. It was natural for his followers to associate with him and his king.
A worthy farewell for one of the club's greatest. The King may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.