Denis Law hailed as ‘the King of the Stretford End’ as tributes flood in for Man United legend after his death at 84

Tributes have flooded in in the wake of Manchester United legend Denis Law’s death after the club announced his passing on Friday night. 

Law, who scored 30 goals in 55 international appearances for Scotland, passed away at the age of 84. He had been battling Alzheimer’s and dementia, having been diagnosed with both illnesses back in 2021. 

While he would enjoy spells with Huddersfield Town, Manchester City and Torino, it is for his exploits with Manchester United that Law is best remembered. 

He became the only Scottish player to date to have won the Ballon d’Or, lifting football’s greatest individual honour back in 1964, and won four major honours with the Red Devils, including a European Cup in 1967-68. 

‘Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84,’ wrote the club.

‘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.’

After the tragic news was announced on Friday night by Manchester United, Scottish giants Rangers were among the first to pay tribute to Law. 

‘The thoughts of everyone at Rangers are with the Law family at this sad time,’ the club wrote on X in response to United’s announcement.

The Scottish FA added: ‘A true great. We will not see his likes again. Denis Law. 1940-2025.’

Liverpool’s official account recounted a famous quote from their own legendary former figure Bill Shankly about Law, writing: ‘Sending condolences from all of us at LFC.

‘Denis was a rival player but so highly thought of. As Bill Shankly once said, “Denis Law could dance on eggshells.” Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this very sad time.’

Another of Law’s former clubs, Huddersfield Town, remembered the great Scot as ‘an immortal of the sport’.

‘All at Huddersfield Town are profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Denis Law. A legend of not only our great Club, but an immortal of the sport as a whole, he will be deeply missed and his memory cherished by us all. 

‘Our collective thoughts are with Denis’ family and loved ones at this time. Once a Terrier, always a Terrier 

BBC 5 Live Sport remembered a ‘true hero of a generation’ in their own post: ‘Scotland and Manchester United legend, Denis Law, has sadly passed away at the age of 84. 

‘A true hero of a generation. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who knew him.’

Fellow former United player Brian Kidd added, as per 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 loved him. We all did. He was the King of the Stretford End.’ 

Law was part of the famed United Trinity alongside, George Best and England World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton, who passed away in 2005 and 2023 respectively. 

In his 11 years at Old Trafford, Law would score 237 goals in 404 games in all competitions, and goes down in history as one of the club’s greatest legends of all. 

The English Football League added: ‘An incredible career and an iconic player. Denis Law is one of the greatest. He will be sorely missed.’ 

Bryan Robson, United’s longest-serving captain in their history, paid homage to the great striker’s ‘wicked sense of humour’ and his generosity. 

‘We have lost one of football’s giants both as a player and a gentleman. It’s incredibly sad,’ said Robson. 

‘Denis was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man. So generous with his time and everything delivered with that great sense of humour of his.

‘He would always be in my greatest ever Manchester United XI. He was a player so many of his peers idolised and with good reason, that iconic image of him with his sleeves pulled down and the one arm salute after scoring.

‘I was a little nervous on first meeting him when I joined the club, as with Sir Bobby Charlton. But I had even more respect for Denis once I met him. He was just so warm in his welcome and I had an instant regard for the man he was, and the personality he had. 

‘I was lucky enough to work alongside him for so many events in an ambassadorial role and that wicked sense of humour, no matter what the occasion, always shone through. He was always so full of life, and invariably with a cup of tea in his hand.

‘No one could represent what Manchester United stood for better than him: full of flair on the pitch and a gentleman off it.’

Broadcaster Eamonn Holmes wrote: ‘Denis Law The Last of The Holy Trinity has left us. 

‘One of my first jobs at BBC Northwest was to drive him home every Friday night Don’t think I ever topped that one ! RIP Lawman.’

Law is his country’s joint-top goal scorer, and still holds a United record for most goals in a single campaign, having struck 46 times in 1963-64. 

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.’

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