Manchester United legend Denis Law has passed away aged 84.
Law spent 11 years playing for United, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances to put him third on the club’s all-time goalscorers list, behind only Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton. He formed a partnership known as “The Holy Trinity” at Old Trafford alongside Charlton and George Best, helping the club to win the European Cup, two English titles and the FA Cup.
He announced in August 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
A statement from his family read: “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.”
Law played for United between 1962 and 1973. The club added that they were “deeply saddened” to share the news of Law’s passing.
The club said in a statement: “Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
In their obituary, United described him as the “darling of the Stretford End” and said he was “idolised by United fans of all ages”. They also note that he is the only person to have two statues at Old Trafford dedicated to him.
A brilliant striker who won the Ballon d’Or in 1964, Law also played for Huddersfield, Torino and Manchester City and scored 30 goals in 55 appearances for Scotland during his distinguished career, making him his country’s joint-record scorer, alongside Sir Kenny Dalglish.
Manchester City said the “whole of Manchester” was mourning. In a reply to United’s X post, they said: “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.”
Former United captain Gary Neville added on Instagram: “Rest in Peace Denis. A great footballer and a great man. It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company. The King of the Stretford End.”
Law’s former team-mate Brian Kidd told United We Stand fanzine editor Andy Mitten: “He was slight, with the heart of a lion. An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal.
Law’s former team-mate Brian Kidd told United We Stand fanzine editor Andy Mitten: “He was slight, with the heart of a lion. An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal.
“He said to me: ‘If you’re ever wide, don’t look up, put the cross in early. If I’m not there it’s my fault. He was usually there. Sir Matt [Busby] loved him. We all did. He was the King of the Stretford End.”
Speaking about his diagnosis in 2021, Law, who scored perhaps the most famous goal in Manchester derby history – albeit for City – said: “This will not be an easy journey especially for the people who love you the most. I know the road ahead will be hard, demanding, painful and ever changing and so ask for understanding and patience.
“I recognise how my brain is deteriorating and how my memory evades me when I don’t want it to and how this causes me distress in situations that are beyond my control. I do understand what is happening and that is why I want to address my situation now whilst I am able, because I know there will be days when I don’t understand and I hate the thought of that right now.”
Law was a champion of Alzheimer’s Society in his later years following the diagnosis of his former team-mate Charlton with dementia in 2020. Charlton died in October 2023.
A 2019 study found that professional footballers are three and a half times more likely to die from dementia than people of the same age range in the general population.
After retiring in 1974, Law became a television pundit, patron of charity Football Aid, and established the Denis Law Legacy Trust, which operates programmes and activities focused around community engagement and widening sporting participation.
THIS WAY: To learn more about the Alzheimer’s Society and the battle to fight dementia.
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