KEIR RADNEDGE COMMENTARY —- Denis Law, King of the Stretford End and for many fans the undisputed No1 of Manchester United’s so-called ‘Holy Trinity in the 1960s, has died aged 84.

Law, the only Scot ever to win the original European Footballer of the Year award in 1964, ranks third among United’s all-time marksmen with 237 goals in 404 appearances over 11 years, trailing only Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton. He was diagnosed, in 2021, with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Born in Aberdeen, one of seven children reared in a council flat, Law began his career under the tutelage of Bill Shankly with Huddersfield. He spent two years with Manchester City before undertaking a turbulent year in Italy with Torino then returning to English football with United.

In his twilight years he returned to neighbours City – though the tale that he scored a goal for them which condemned United to relegation was not strictly accurate.

Law, who was sold for a British record fee three times, is Scotland’s all-time joint leading scorer with 30 goals in 55 appearances.

A family statement said: “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.”

Manchester United said Law “will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.” A statement added: “The ultimate goalscorer, 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.”

Law was 15 when he signed for Huddersfield, and was transferred to Manchester City four years later, in 1960, for £55,000. A year later, he joined Torino for £110,000, was popular but homesick and joined United for £115,000 in 1962, before ending his career with City in 1974.

Law was a member of the United squad who became the first from England to win the European Champions Cup in 1968 but missed the 4-1 victory over Benfica in the Wembley final, with a knee injury. He also won one FA Cup and two English league title medals with United, as well as helping Scotland win the British Home Championship six times.

His 11 goals in seven Scotland appearances during 1963 – as well as scoring for a Rest of the World side against England at Wembley – went some way to helping him receive the 1964 Ballon d’Or, which at the time was the prize awarded to the best footballer in Europe.

Law was selected for the World XI which played against England in the Football Association’s centenary match in 1963. Team-mates included Lev Yashin, Alfredo di Stefano, Raymond Kopa, Eusebio and Ferenc Puskas. He scored his team’s goal in a 2-1 defeat.

After retiring from football, Law became a television pundit, patron of UK-based charity Football Aid, and established the Denis Law Legacy Trust. He was appointed CBE in 2016 for services to football and charity, received honorary degrees from Aberdeen, St Andrews and Robert Gordon universities, has had statues erected in his honour at Old Trafford and Aberdeen, and received the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen.

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