Manchester United paid an emotional tribute to Denis Law with a minute’s applause ahead of their Premier League clash against Brighton on Sunday.
Law died aged 84 on Friday after a battle with dementia, with English football left in mourning after the last member of United’s famous “Holy Trinity” passed away.
The ex-forward won two First Division titles, the FA Cup and the European Cup, while claiming the Ballon d’Or prize along the way. He is the club’s third-highest goalscorer of all time with 237 goals from 404 appearances.
United fans have been laying down flowers by the Holy Trinity statue outside Old Trafford where Law has been immortalised along with fellow late club legends Bobby Charlton and George Best.
The club confirmed they planned to pay tribute to Law ahead of the Brighton game and a minute’s applause was impeccably observed by fans, players and coaches. A wreath was brought on by captain Bruno Fernandes and laid down ahead of kick-off, with all United players and staff wearing black armbands. A bagpiper played as they entered the pitch, with a ‘King of the Stretford End’ banner held aloft.
United defender Harry Maguire spoke with huge admiration for Law before the game and revealed how much he was loved by people at Old Trafford.
“He meant so much to everybody and everyone at this club,” he said. “One of the greatest players to have ever played for the club. “I didn’t get the privilege to see him play, but I have heard so much about him, not just as a footballer but also as a person.
“The fans and the players will do a tribute to him today, but it is a sad time for us regarding a great man and a real legend at this club.”
United issued an emotional statement after Law’s death as they hailed his achievements and symbolism to the club.
“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’s close friend and former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson also paid special tribute to him this week as he spoke of how the former player used his humility and fighting spirit to win people over.
“The great thing was, he didn’t use his fame. He was so level-headed, down to earth. You’d say, well, this guy’s got, he’s got all these caps for Scotland, he’s the greatest, the king of Old Trafford.
“It’s an interesting thing, why did they call him The King? You know, because you had George Best, Bobby Charlton, the greatest English player of all time, fantastic player for our club, but they called Denis ‘The King’.
“I think it’s something to do with the determination and the will to win that he showed every time he went on that football field. And that’s what he was, he was a, he was a really competitive human being. And no matter which game, that was always there.”
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