Denis Law, Manchester United legend, dies aged 84

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

Law, a club-record signing in 1962, plundered 237 goals in 404 appearances for United and is immortalised with two statues at Old Trafford outside the stadium and inside the Stretford End.

A statement released on behalf of the Law family 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."

United host Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League on Sunday and are due to pay tribute to one of their greatest players.

Law was last seen at Old Traff ord in attendance for United's Premier League win against Leicester City at in February 2023. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Vascular dementia in August 2021.

The former Scotland international's death comes 15 months after Sir Bobby Charlton, another member of United's 'Holy Trinity' along with George Best, died.

Law also played for Manchester City and memorably scored the winner against United in April 1974 that confirmed their relegation to Division 2.

But United is the club that Law, a Ballon d'Or winner in 1964, is most synonymous with. He scored in their 1963 FA Cup final victory against Leicester City - the club's first trophy after the Munich air disaster in 1958.

Law's 46-goal haul in 1963-64 remains a club record and he was an integral member of the title-winning squads in 1965 and 1967.

He played in United's run to the European Cup final in 1968 but was injured for the final and watched it on television from his hospital bed. Only Charlton and Wayne Rooney have scored more goals for United than Law.

Dubbed 'The King' by United fans, Law's professional career began under Bill Shankly at Huddersfield Town before his first spell at City in 1960. He became Britain's most expensive footballer when he transferred to Torino in 1962 but returned to Manchester later that year to United.

Law represented Scotland at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany and remains their joint-highest scorer with 30 goals.

United added in a statement: "Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84.

"With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players. 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."