Manchester United legend Denis Law has died at the age of 84

Manchester United legend Denis Law has died at the age of 84. Law scored 237 goals in 404 appearances during his 11-year stint with the Red Devils, ranking him third among the club's all-time top scorers after Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton.

He was part of the famed "The Holy Trinity" alongside Charlton and George Best, contributing to the team's European Cup in 1968, two English league titles, and an FA Cup victory. The esteemed forward, who clinched the Ballon d'Or in 1964, also turned out for Huddersfield, Torino, and Manchester City, and he remains Scotland's joint-top scorer with 30 goals in 55 appearances, sharing the proud record with Sir Kenny Dalglish.

In August 2021, Law announced his Alzheimer's and vascular dementia diagnosis, reports the Mirror. Today (Friday, January 17), his family released a statement, which reads: "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."

They expressed gratitude towards everyone involved in his care, acknowledging the love and support he received. The statement continued: "We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you."

Law's career at Manchester United spanned from 1962 to 1973. The club expressed their sorrow, stating they were "deeply saddened" by the news of his passing.

Manchester United has released a statement mourning the loss of Denis Law, affectionately known as the King of the Stretford End, who has died at the age of 84. The club expressed their deepest condolences to Denis's family and friends, stating that his memory will live on forever.

In their tribute, United hailed him as the "darling of the Stretford End", adored by fans of all ages, and highlighted that he is the only person with two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.

Brian Kidd, Law's former teammate, spoke to United We Stand fanzine editor Andy Mitten about the late footballer: "He was slight, with the heart of a lion. An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal."

He recalled Law's advice to him: "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 [Busby] loved him. We all did. He was the King of the Stretford End."

His friend and fellow striker George Best described Law as: "Up there with the all-time greats. Electric. As a bloke and as a pal he's different class."

Speaking about his diagnosis in 2021, Law said: "This will not be an easy journey especially for the people who love you the most. I know the road ahead will be hard, demanding, painful and ever changing and so ask for understanding and patience."

He also acknowledged the distress caused by his deteriorating brain function and memory loss, adding: "I recognise how my brain is deteriorating and how my memory evades me when I don't want it to and how this causes me distress in situations that are beyond my control."

Denis Law opened up about his condition saying: "I do understand what is happening and that is why I want to address my situation now whilst I am able, because I know there will be days when I don't understand and I hate the thought of that right now."

The legendary footballer became a prominent figure for the Alzheimer's Society after his former teammate Charlton was diagnosed with dementia in 2020, who sadly died in October 2023. Research from 2019 indicates that professional footballers are three and a half times more likely to pass away from dementia compared to peers in the general population.

Law hung up his football boots in 1974 and went on to work as a TV pundit, acted as patron for Football Aid, and founded the Denis Law Legacy Trust, which aims to boost community engagement and increase participation in sport.