Manchester United legend Denis Law has died, his family confirmed in a statement on Friday. He was 84.
Law is widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in the club’s history, remembered for his part in an infamous “United Trinity” partnership with Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best, with the trio immortalised in a statue outside Old Trafford.
United did not specify the cause of Law’s death. He revealed in 2021 that he was suffering with dementia.
“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,” Law’s family said in a statement published by United.
“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.”
Law also won 54 international caps with Scotland, scoring 31 times. He began his career at Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and spent a season at Italian side Torino.
However, it is the 404 appearances he made for United between 1962 and 1973 for which he is most remembered. Most of those games came under Sir Matt Busby as the club rebuilt following the 1958 Munich Air Disaster.
Law was a part of the United side that won the English top flight in 1965 and 1967 as well as the European Cup in 1968 — a first for an English club.
He also only the second British recipient of the Ballon d’Or, winning the individual award in 1964.
United said 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 goal-scorer, 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’s 46 goals in the 1963-64 season remains a single-season record for United. His 237 goals for the club is bettered only by Charlton and Wayne Rooney, though his goals-per-game ratio is higher.
His 30 goals for Scotland is matched only by Kenny Dalglish, though was achieved in just 55 games compared to Dalglish’s 102.
