Manchester United and the footballing world lost an icon on Friday, with the news that club legend Denis Law has passed away.
The news broke yesterday that the 84-year-old had sadly passed away. Manchester United issued a statement on behalf of Denis Law’s family.
It 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 a difference. Thank you.”
It’s time for United fans to reminisce over the many good times shared with Law, also known as ‘The King’, including moments he cherished with the Busby Babes.
Sir Matt Busby’s most expensive signing
Law spent 11 years of his career at Old Trafford and enjoyed a hugely successful stint under Sir Matt Busby, winning United’s first-ever European Cup in 1968.
The former Scotland international joined United from Italian side Torino in 1962 when Law cost a then-record British transfer fee of £115,000.
United icon Busby never spent more money than that figure to sign a player, making Law the most expensive, but he was worth every penny as he became one of United’s best ever strikers.
The son of an Aberdonian fisherman, who perfected the art of scoring goals, found the back of the net 237 times in 404 appearances for United.
Speaking about Law’s transfer to United, Busby once said (as quoted by Manchester United media): “Denis Law was the most expensive signing I ever made, but on achievement, he turned out to be the cheapest.
“The Italians dragged me and my chairman all over Europe to complete the signing, and at one time I was so angry at the way we were being treated that I almost pulled out of the deal. I’m extremely glad that I didn’t.”
Law is the only Scottish player to have ever won the Ballon d’Or award in 1964, and he also lifted four trophies as a United player, including two First Division titles in 1965 and 1967 before winning the European Cup a year later on the 10th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster.
Denis Law scored miracle goals for Manchester United
United faced competition for Law’s signature as Juventus president Umberto Agnelli pushed hard to take the Scottish star to Turin.
Thankfully for United, Juventus were unsuccessful, and Law arrived at Old Trafford where he’d go on to become the original King of the Stretford End.
To this day, Law is the only person who has two statues at Old Trafford, including the Holy Trinity outside the stadium.
Law had an aura about him, a true icon, but his goals brought many happy times to Old Trafford.
Busby once credited his goalscoring prowess by saying: “When a chance was on for him, whether he had his back to goal, was sideways on, or the ball was one the deck or up at shoulder height, he would have it in the next with such power and acrobatic agility that colleagues and opponents could only stand and gasp.
“No other player scored so many miracle goals as Denis Law.”
Law celebrated each of his 237 goals for United the same way: right arm in the air with his finger pointing towards the sky.
He will be forever remembered.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
