Manchester United announce plan to pay tribute to Denis Law after legend's death

A minute's silence will be held at Old Trafford on Sunday to honour Manchester United icon Denis Law following the announcement of his passing at 84.

The Scottish striker, who remains the club's third all-time top scorer, notched up 237 goals in 404 games from 1962 to 1973, sitting behind only Sir Bobby Charlton and Wayne Rooney in the scoring charts. Law, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia in 2021, was lovingly remembered in a statement by his family: "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 also released a heartfelt statement: "Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis's family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more."

Ahead of the 2pm Premier League match against Brighton, United players will wear black armbands in tribute, a gesture echoed by the club's youngsters who donned them during their Youth Cup fixture on Friday night. Law, a treasured icon at United with an unrivalled legacy, is celebrated by not one but two statues at Old Trafford.

The club's tribute hailed him as the "darling of the Stretford End" and acknowledged that he was "idolised by United fans of all ages". Yet, it was former manager Sir Alex Ferguson's words that perhaps most poignantly encapsulated his significance: "Denis was a fantastic character, one of the great characters you get in football who absolutely loved the game," said Ferguson.

"He was a magnificent player. I have always said that he was my hero as a player and he has to be the best Scottish player of all time. I idolised him. When I first met him I was so excited. It was at a game in Paris, he had played in the first half and we went for a cup of tea afterwards. For me, he epitomised everything a Scotsman is about. He was daring and courageous, he had that bravado about him and he had style. He was a truly fantastic footballer."

Law's time at United saw him forge an unforgettable partnership with Charlton and George Best, leading the team to European Cup glory, two English league titles, and an FA Cup victory. Beyond his Old Trafford heroics, Law also displayed his talents at Huddersfield, Torino, Manchester City, and shone on the international stage scoring 30 goals in 55 appearances for Scotland, a record he shares with Sir Kenny Dalglish.