On Tuesday, 11 February 2025, Manchester United bid a poignant farewell to one of its greatest icons, Denis Law. The Scottish legend, who passed away on 17 January at the age of 84, was honoured in a moving ceremony that brought together the football world to celebrate his extraordinary life and career.
The day began with a solemn procession that wound its way through the streets of Manchester, pausing at Old Trafford where thousands of fans had gathered to pay their respects. As the cortege passed the East Stand forecourt, it made a poignant stop at the Trinity Statue, which immortalises Law alongside his fellow United legends George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton. The moment was particularly poignant as it marked the passing of the last member of this revered trio.
At Old Trafford, flags flew at half-mast as supporters, many with tears in their eyes, applauded the hearse carrying their beloved ‘King of the Stretford End’. The procession then made its way to Manchester Cathedral, where over 750 mourners had gathered for the funeral service.
The congregation was a who’s who of football royalty, reflecting Law’s immense impact on the game. United’s current leadership was well-represented, with chief executive Omar Berrada, head coach Ruben Amorim, captain Bruno Fernandes, and senior players Harry Maguire and Tom Heaton in attendance. The women’s team was represented by manager Marc Skinner, interim head of women’s football Matt Johnson, and captain Maya Le Tissier, underlining Law’s importance to all aspects of the club.
A galaxy of United legends spanning generations came to pay their respects, including Sir Alex Ferguson, Darren Fletcher, Sammy McIlroy, Willie Morgan, Gary Neville, Bryan Robson, Wayne Rooney, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, Alex Stepney, and Ruud van Nistelrooy. Their presence was a testament to Law’s enduring legacy at Old Trafford.
The service was not just a United affair, however. Sir Kenny Dalglish, with whom Law shares Scotland’s goalscoring record, was present to honour his compatriot – the only Scottish player ever to win the Ballon d’Or. Manchester City, where Law also left an indelible mark, was represented by Mike Summerbee, while Calum Best attended on behalf of his late father, George, completing the Trinity’s representation.
During the service, Sir Alex Ferguson delivered a heartfelt tribute to his fellow Scot, reminiscing about Law’s fierce determination and unparalleled talent. Ferguson humorously recalled, “He would fight his granny for a goal,” encapsulating Law’s legendary competitive spirit.
Law’s daughter, Diana, offered a touching eulogy, imagining her father reunited with his Trinity teammates in heaven. “There is an Englishman, Irishman, and Scotsman. I envision them all together in heaven, smiling down. Perhaps they’ve already formed a team with Sir Matt as the manager,” she said, bringing smiles to the faces of many in attendance.
As the service concluded, the haunting strains of “Flower of Scotland” played on bagpipes filled the air, a fitting tribute to a man who remains one of Scotland’s greatest sporting heroes. The ceremony ended with a recording of Rod Stewart’s “Angel”, a poignant duet featuring Law himself.
Outside the cathedral, Brian Kidd, Law’s friend and former teammate, summed up the sentiments of many: “He was a personality and a great character. And on the pitch he was a lion. He was fearless, and he had a heart as big as a dustbin lid. But off the pitch, he had humility and the empathy he showed to people was superb. As a person, that sums Denis up. It’s a sad loss.”
As the bells of Manchester Cathedral chimed 84 times – one for each year of Law’s life – it was clear that while an era had ended, the legacy of Denis Law will continue to inspire generations of United fans and players to come. His 237 goals in 404 appearances for the club, his crucial role in United’s first European Cup triumph, and his embodiment of the club’s fighting spirit ensure that he will forever remain royalty in the red half of Manchester.
The King may have left us, but his reign in the hearts of United fans will never end. Thank you for everything, Denis. You will never be forgotten.
Video from Manchester United on Denis Law’s funeral past Old Trafford.
Saying goodbye to a legend 🕊️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 11, 2025
Denis Law’s funeral procession passed Old Trafford earlier today, allowing fans and club staff to observe a final farewell ❤️ pic.twitter.com/9VuDmAhuiE
