Manchester United and Scotland legend Denis Law has died, aged 84.
The iconic striker, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1964, will be remembered as one of United‘s greatest ever players.
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A statement from Law’s family said: “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.”
Man United wrote: “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 scored 237 goals in 404 appearances, putting him third on the club’s all-time goalscorer list behind Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Starring alongside Charlton and George Best in the famous ‘United Trinity’, Law won two First Division titles, the FA Cup and the European Cup during a glittering 11-year spell at Old Trafford between 1962 and 1973.
‘The King’, ‘The Lawman’, or ‘Denis the Menace’- as he was affectionately known by fans – remains Scotland’s joint-highest goalscorer in history, alongside Sir Kenny Dalglish, with 30 goals in 55 international games.
Law also holds the record for the most United goals in a single season with 46 – and he remains the only Scottish player in history to win the Ballon d’Or.
Arguably his most iconic goal ironically came against United on the final day of the 1973/74 season – during one of two separate spells at neighbours Manchester City.
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With United fighting relegation, Law famously refused to celebrate a backheeled goal which put City 1-0 up – and was seen walking down the tunnel with his head down after other results confirmed the Red Devils’ demotion.
Tributes across the football world have flowed in for Law, with other clubs penning heartfelt messages of condolence.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Law’s former teammate Sammy McIlroy said: “He was absolutely fantastic. In the box he was electrifying, brave and could score goals that no other player could score – overhead kicks, headed goals. He was just an unbelievable goalscorer and a great man as well.
“He was world class. Those words are too easy to come out of people’s mouths but this was a man who was world class.
“It was a fantastic honour for me to play such a fantastic man and a great player.
“Everyone will remember him on the field for Scotland, Manchester United and his early days at Manchester City.”
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“Scottish giants Rangers wrote: “The thoughts of everyone are with the Law family at this sad time.”
Manchester City, where Law spent two separate stints in his glittering playing career, posted: “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.”
Liverpool added: “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.”
Leeds United said: “The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Denis’ family and friends at this time. Rest in peace, Denis.”
Law passed away after battling with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, which he had been diagnosed with in August 2021.
More to follow…
A snapshot of Denis Law’s legendary career
Huddersfield Town (1956-1960): 91 appearances, 19 goals
Manchester City (1959-1961): 50 appearances, 25 goals
Torino (1961-1962): 28 appearances, 10 goals
Manchester United (1962-1973): 404 appearances, 237 goals
Manchester City (1973-1974): 29 appearances, 12 goals
Two time Football League First Division winner (1964/65, 1966/67)
FA Cup winner (1962/63)
European Cup winner (1967/68)
Ballon d’Or winner (1964)
PFA Team of the Century (from 1907-1976, awarded in 2007)
Scottish Football Hall of Fame (inducted in 2004)
English Football Hall of Fame (inaugural inductee in 2002)
