Man Utd pay emotional Old Trafford tribute to Law

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anchester United paid an emotional tribute to former striker Denis Law – who died on Friday at the age of 84 – before their defeat at home to Brighton on Sunday afternoon.

Law scored 237 goals in 404 appearances for United in a trophy-laden spell between 1962 and 1973.

All flags at Old Trafford are at half mast, with players wearing black armbands, and a piper played Flower of Scotland as the teams emerged.

A poem was read as the stadium fell silent, with United legends Sir Alex Ferguson, Pat Crerand, Alex Stepney and Brian Kidd all present.

Stadium announcer Alan Keegan, speaking to the fans, said: “Beyond the goals the man stood tall, a heart of gold who inspired all.

“He’s still the King of the Stretford End.”

Ferguson laid a wreath on the centre circle as the supporters applauded.

Ferguson paid his own tribute to Law before the game, crediting the forward with helping to rebuild United after the Munich air disaster of 1958.

Law joined from a spell in Italy with Torino and was part of the United team that became the first from England to lift the European Cup in 1968, although he missed the final – a 4-1 victory over Benfica – through injury.

He also won one FA Cup and two English league titles with United, as well as helping Scotland win the British Home Championship six times.

Ferguson told MUTV: “He was the best Scottish player of all time.

“United had George Best and Bobby Charlton, but they called him The King.

“When he joined us in 1963 he turned the club around. That’s the greatest thing he could ever have done.

“The part he played at that time was so vital to the renovation of the team. I think most people always remember that signing from Italy. It was a cornerstone of their future success.”

Law spent two spells with United’s rivals Manchester City and they wore black armbands in Sunday’s later game against Ipswich.