Manchester United fans have paid tribute to Denis Law by laying scarves and flowers by his statue outside Old Trafford following his death aged 84.
Law, who revealed in August 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, is one of the United Trinity immortalised in a statue at Old Trafford alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton. To fans, he was simply known as The King.
A statement from the Law family on Friday night 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 has a statue alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton – known as ‘The United Trinity’ – outside Old Trafford, which was unveiled in May 2008.
Following the news of his passing on Friday evening, fans flocked to Old Trafford to lay flowers, scarves and other memorial items by the statue and pay their tributes.
Supporters were seen out in the cold in Manchester, two days out from United hosting Brighton in the Premier League, carrying flowers with photos of Law and messages of goodwill attached.
Two fans approached the statue with a bouquet of flowers, with an older fan and younger fan placing them at the front of the statue, which already had around a dozen bouquets around it.
Scarves could also be seen hanging from the statue, which has Law in the middle of the three men, hand in air.
The younger fan could then be seen passing the scarf to the older fan, who reached up to put it on the statue.
The young supporter then leant forward and patted the trophy in tribute to the trio.
More fans arrived to place flowers, while others watched on, with one youngster arriving with a scarf almost touching the ground as he read tributes with an older supporter, who then lifted the younger fan to put the scarf up.
One yellow and green scarf had the words: ‘RIP Dennis from Portrush’ on, while a bouquet had a photo of Law playing for United accompanied by the words: ‘The true King. RIEP. The Trinity back together. God bless, RBGMF.
A United shirt, meanwhile, had: ‘”If you were to send a man out to score a goal to save your life, send for the Lawman”. RIP Dennis,’ which was a quite about Law from journalist Hugh McIIvanney.
A Ballon d’Or winner in 1964, Law won the European Cup, two English titles and the FA Cup in his 11 years at Old Trafford.
He is United’s third-highest goal scorer of all time behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton with 237 in 404 games, and Scotland’s joint top scorer with 30 goals from his 55 caps.
United also issued a statement on Friday night, saying: ‘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.’
