Denis Law dead at 84: Man United and Scotland legend – and last remaining member of club’s trinity – passes away
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died at the age of 84, his family have announced.
Law, who confirmed 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.’
United issued a statement, 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.’
Manchester United legend Denis Law (pictured) has passed away at the age of 84
Law (left) was part of the ‘United Trinity’ alongside Sir Bobby Charlton (centre) and George Best (right)
Law is United’s third-highest goalscorer of all-time behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton
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, scoring 237 goals in 404 games in all competitions.
He is the club’s third-highest goalscorer of all-time behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton.
He also won 55 caps for Scotland, scoring 30 international goals. Law was picked for the 1974 World Cup and played in Scotland’s opening game of the tournament.
Born in Aberdeen, Law began his career with Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and also played in Italy for Torino.
He first joined City in 1960 for an estimated £55,000 – a British transfer record at the time.
The following year he moved to Torino for £110,000, and he broke the record again in 1962 when United splashed out £115,000 to take him to Old Trafford.
It was there that Law established himself as one of the great strikers of his generation.
He won the FA Cup in his first season, and the Ballon d’Or a year later. Law remains the only Scot to win football’s most prestigious individual award.
League titles followed in 1965 and 1967, before United won their first European Cup in 1968.
Law missed the final through injury, but watched on as the Red Devils beat Benfica 4-1 after extra time at Wembley.
Law (left) and Best (right) won United’s first European Cup together in 1968
Law also scored 30 goals for Scotland and played at the 1974 World Cup
Law was awarded a CBE in the 2016 New Years Honours for services to football and charity
Law left United in 1973 for one final season at City before hanging up his boots in 1974 after a career that spanned 18 years.
His post-playing career saw him turn to radio and TV work, while he enjoyed time with his wife, Diana.
The couple wed in December 1962 and went on to have five children – Gary, Robert, Iain, Andrew and Diana – together.
Law was the inaugural inductee of the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002. He was also awarded a CBE in the 2016 New Years Honours for services to football and charity.
