The footballing world is set to come together tomorrow to pay its final respects to Denis Law, one of Manchester United’s greatest-ever players, who passed away last month at the age of 84 after a long battle with dementia. Law, a true icon of the game and the only Scottish player to win the Ballon d’Or, will be laid to rest in a funeral service at Manchester Cathedral, attended by former players, managers, and staff, including the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. However, reports suggest that the Glazer family, United’s controversial owners, will not be in attendance—a decision that has already sparked debate among fans.
A Fitting Farewell for a United Great
Denis Law’s legacy at Manchester United is unparalleled. A key figure in the club’s golden era under Sir Matt Busby, Law’s goals, charisma, and infectious personality made him a fan favourite during his 11-year spell at Old Trafford. Alongside Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best, he formed part of the legendary “Holy Trinity” that propelled United to domestic and European success in the 1960s. His contributions to the club and the game as a whole have cemented his status as one of football’s all-time greats.
Tomorrow’s funeral service will be a poignant moment for the United family, with thousands of fans expected to line the streets of Manchester to pay their final respects. A “Book of Condolence” will also be delivered to Old Trafford, allowing supporters to leave personal messages in honour of a man who meant so much to so many.
The Glazers’ Absence Raises Eyebrows
While the footballing world unites to celebrate Law’s life, the reported absence of the Glazer family has not gone unnoticed. According to The Daily Star, no representatives from the Glazers will attend the funeral, continuing a trend that saw them miss the funeral of Sir Bobby Charlton in November 2023. On that occasion, it was claimed that the family chose to stay away to avoid potential backlash from supporters, ensuring the focus remained on Charlton rather than their controversial ownership.
The same reasoning appears to apply to Law’s funeral. “The Americans didn’t want to make unwanted headlines – and stayed away to allow all the focus to be on Charlton,” the report stated. While the Glazers’ decision may be pragmatic, it has nonetheless drawn criticism from fans who feel the family should be present to honour one of the club’s most iconic figures.
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
Denis Law’s impact on Manchester United extends far beyond his on-field achievements. His flair, determination, and love for the game embodied the spirit of the club during a transformative period in its history. For many fans, Law represents a bygone era of football—a time when the game was as much about passion and connection as it was about results.
His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the footballing world, with former teammates, rivals, and supporters alike celebrating his life and career. Sir Alex Ferguson, who will attend the funeral, once described Law as “one of the greatest players to ever wear the red shirt,” a sentiment echoed by countless others who had the privilege of watching him play.
A Club at a Crossroads
The Glazers’ reported absence from Law’s funeral comes at a time when their ownership of Manchester United continues to be a source of frustration for fans. Despite the recent partial investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Glazers remain deeply unpopular, with many supporters blaming their lack of investment and ambition for the club’s struggles on and off the pitch.
Just weeks ago, it was revealed that Joel Glazer remains actively involved in guiding United’s transfer strategy, a revelation that did little to appease fans disappointed by the club’s quiet January window. The Glazers’ decision to stay away from Law’s funeral, while understandable from a PR perspective, is unlikely to improve their standing among a fanbase that feels increasingly disconnected from the club’s hierarchy.
A Time for Reflection
As Manchester United prepares to bid farewell to Denis Law, the occasion serves as a reminder of the club’s rich history and the values that have made it one of the most beloved institutions in world football. Law’s legacy is one of excellence, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the game—a legacy that stands in stark contrast to the modern realities of football ownership.
For the Glazers, the decision to stay away may be a pragmatic one, but it also highlights the growing divide between the club’s owners and its supporters. As the footballing world gathers to honour a true legend, the focus will rightly be on celebrating Law’s life and achievements. But for United fans, the occasion will also serve as a moment to reflect on the club’s future and the need to reconnect with the values that made it great.
Denis Law may be gone, but his legacy will live on—not just in the record books, but in the hearts of everyone who loves Manchester United. As the club mourns the loss of one of its greatest sons, the hope is that his spirit will inspire a brighter future for the club he loved so dearly.
