Former Red Devil Denis Law has passed away at the age of 84 after a long struggle with dementia.
The only Scottish player to win the Ballon D'or, Law was an absolute icon of the beautiful game on and off the pitch, and his name and legacy will live on forever in this sport.
Follow a long as VAVEL takes a look at his career, and what he meant to football as a whole.
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His story
After joining Huddersfield as a teenager, the Scotsman broke into the first team and made his debut in 1956.
He spent four years at the club before gaining major interest from both Manchester United and Manchester City. In the end, he joined the Sky Blues for a British record fee of around £55,000.
One season later, he decided to switch England for Italy by joining Torino for another record fee of £110,000. This move did not work out for either party, as he made the decision to transfer to the red side of Manchester in the summer of 1962.
At the time, Man United were still recovering from the Munich air disaster just four years prior, which turned the entire club on its head.
Sir Matt Busby was delighted to sign Law, as it was the second time that he had tried to sign the winger.
This would be the turning point in the club's history, who would not have known that they had assembled one of the most iconic forward lines of all time, with Law, George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, who would be known as their holy trinity and eventually have a statue built outside Old Trafford.
Over the next decade, the three superstars would achieve absolutely everything at club level, winning multiple domestic honours as well as becoming the first ever British club to win the European Cup in 1968.
In 11 years at Old Trafford, Law scored 237 goals in a total of 404 games, which leaves him 3rd in the club's all-time scorers list.
He earned himself the nickname The King from Man United fans, and left as a hero in 1973, when he controversially returned to Man City.
In 1974, Law scored arguably the most famous goal of his entire career, which landed up being the goal that relegated Man United from the first division.
Despite this, Law will always be known to Man United fans as an integral figure in the club's history.
While his club achievements were monumental, Law was equally revered on the international stage
Representing Scotland 55 times and scoring 30 goals, he is jointly the country’s all-time leading scorer alongside Kenny Dalglish. His pride in wearing the Scotland shirt was unmatched, with his performances inspiring a generation of Scottish footballers.
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Tributes to Law
The Red Devils announced Law's passing across their various social media platforms, and soon after tributes flooded in from various past and present players.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Alex Stepney paid tribute to his former teammate and friend, saying:
"So sad to hear that Denis has passed away. Nothing less than a giant of the game, and I’m proud to have been his teammate and friend. God bless Den, rest in peace."
Paddy Crerand, Eric Cantona, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham were among the other United greats who habe released tributes to 'The King'.
The Scottish Football Association also recognised Law's incredible contributions to the game, stating:
"Denis Law's impact on Scottish football is immeasurable. He was a true icon, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations."
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The King Will Never Be Forgotten
For Manchester United fans, Denis Law will always be "The King of the Stretford End." His contributions to the club’s history, his role in rebuilding after the Munich air disaster, and his unforgettable moments on the pitch have solidified his place as one of the all-time greats.
As tributes pour in from around the world, it is clear that Denis Law’s memory will endure, not just as a special footballer but as a wonderful man.
Manchester United and the wider footballing world will forever cherish the legacy of Denis Law. The King may be gone, but his legend will live on in the hearts of all who witnessed his greatness.
