MANCHESTER United legend Denis Law has tragically died aged 84, his family have announced.
The last surviving member of the Red Devils‘ holy trinity passed away after a battle with dementia.
Manchester United legend Denis Law has tragically died aged 84[/caption]
Law was simply known as ‘The King’ at United[/caption]
He was the last surviving member of the Red Devils’ holy trinity[/caption]
Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best and Law are idolised with a statue at Old Trafford[/caption]
The ex-striker began his legendary career at Huddersfield in 1955[/caption]
Manchester United paid tribute to their former star in a post on X[/caption]
His heartbroken family confirmed on Friday that Law had died.
A statement from them 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 started his career at Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and played for Torino in Italy.
But it was at Old Trafford from 1962-73 where he made his name scoring 237 goals in 404 games.
He won two titles with United and the FA Cup and helped them to the 1968 European Cup Final where they beat Benfica although missed out on the game due to injury.
Sir Bobby Charlton, Law and George Best were integral as the Red Devils become the first English side to win the European Cup.
Man U 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.
“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.”
Best, Law and Charlton together scored 665 goals in 1,636 games for the club.
And each won the Ballon d’Or between 1964-68 — with Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 the only United player to do it since.
Law also scored 30 goals in 55 games for Scotland.
TRIBUTES TO ‘THE KING’
Tributes have poured in on social media from football fans in light of Denis’ death.
One said: “Very sad news that Denis Law has died – the last of the United Holy Trinity of Best, Law and Charlton.
“But Law was our King.”
Another added: “RIP Denis Law, a footballer of excellence and who I grew up watching.”
A third paid tribute, saying: “A legend of the game who began a fantastic career as a 15 year old at Leeds Road in 1955.
“RIP Denis Law.”
Countless people also expressed sadness at the news of the star’s death, with many praising him as one of the greatest players to ever grace the pitch at Old Trafford.
One user posted on X: “Very upsetting to hear about Denis Law & condolences to his family & friends.
“He was a superb & stylish footballer & lovely, happy man.
“The King was, in Denis’s case, a deserved nickname.”
Another said: “RIP to the original King of Old Trafford – Denis Law.
“A lethal goal scorer who helped put Manchester United back on the map following the Munich Air Disaster.
“Set records that lasted decades and some that remain today.
“We all love King Denis x”.
In 2021, the goalscorer revealed he was suffering from Alzheimer’s in an emotional statement.
He said he experienced anger, frustration, confusion and distress due to the condition.
There has been much research and debate into how much heading the ball has led to Alzheimer’s for a number of ex players.
Law said: “I am at the point where I feel I want to be open about my condition.
“I have been diagnosed with ‘mixed dementia’, which is more than one type of dementia, in my case this being Alzheimer’s and Vascular dementia.
“It is an incredibly challenging and problematic disease and I have witnessed many friends go through this.
“You hope that it won’t happen to you, even make jokes about it whilst ignoring the early signs because you don’t want it to be true.
“You get angry, frustrated, confused and then worried, worried for your family, as they will be the ones dealing with it.
“However the time has come to tackle this head on, excuse the pun.
“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.”
He achieved icon status during his playing days for the Red Devils[/caption]
Best, Charlton and Law helped United win the 1968 European Cup[/caption]
Law poses with his daughter Di, who went on to work for United as the Chief Press Officer[/caption]
Law scored 30 goals in 55 games for Scotland[/caption]
