In a week filled with tributes from football giants, a fan’s poem truly captured the essence of what Denis Law means to this community.
“The Stretford End, his loyal throne, where Denis Law made greatness known,” the poem began, recited as players stood arm in arm around the center circle.
“The Lawman struck with poise and grace, a predator’s instinct, the perfect pace. With every goal the terraces sang, his name on their lips, the anthem rang. A flick, a volley, a header supreme, Denis turned football into a dream.
“The King of Old Trafford, fierce and true. In red he soared, the world he flew. Beyond the goals, the man stood tall, a heart of gold that inspired all.”
Manchester United legend Denis Law sadly passed away at the age of 84 earlier this week.
Fans rose to their feet as Old Trafford honored the legendary player on Sunday.
“Though trophies shone, his pride was clear, for the fans he played year after year. Now time has passed but memories stay, the legend of Law won’t fade away. For every chant, for every friend, he’s still the king of the Stretford End.”
Each line echoed throughout the vast stadium where Law spent much of his career. By this point, every fan—over 73,000—was on their feet, many visibly moved by the poem’s reading, some wiping tears from their eyes.
This day was meant for reflection and celebration, regardless of the match’s outcome.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who had visited Law multiple times a week at his care home before his passing, was present. He walked onto the pitch with a red scarf over his grey trench coat, holding a wreath among many others.
He strode out to thunderous applause alongside Paddy Crerand, Alex Stepney, and Brian Kidd.
Supporters left flowers and tributes by Law’s statue outside Old Trafford.
Law completed United’s formidable front line of the 1960s, teaming with Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best.
A piper, Terry Carr, led the players out to “Flower of Scotland,” though a minor malfunction prevented it from resonating throughout the stadium.
Outside, a sea of red roses and scarves adorned the plaza in front of the Holy Trinity statue, featuring George Best, Law, and Sir Bobby Charlton. A Manchester City shirt, from Law’s two stints at the club, was also among the tributes, as fans arrived hours early to pay their respects.
“He meant so much to everybody at this club,” Harry Maguire said pre-match of Law, who remains United’s third top goalscorer with 237 goals and the only Scot to win the Ballon d’Or. “One of the greatest players to have ever played for the club. I didn’t get to see him play, but I’ve heard so much about him, not just as a footballer but as a person. It’s a sad time for us regarding a great man and a true legend.”
“Let’s win for Denis” was the prevailing sentiment among fans as they filtered through the Munich tunnel and into the turnstiles. The most fitting tribute, with Law’s family in attendance, was to embody the spirit of “The King” and deliver a memorable performance on the pitch.
Manchester United and Brighton players observed a minute’s silence in Law’s honor before their Premier League clash.
Since his passing on Friday, tributes have poured in for the former United and Scotland star.
Reflecting on Denis Law’s life, it’s the underperformance of the current squad—losing 3-1 to Brighton—that highlights why legends like Law will always be revered.
“Once you knew Denis and saw him as a player, you just thought, ‘wow, this is a player,'” Ferguson noted. “There’s a saying in Scotland: ‘Who do you think you are? Denis Law?’ He was the best Scottish player of all time. He epitomizes Scotland, fighting away, having a fight in an empty house. He was an incredible human being.”
“He had the gift of being able to take the mickey out of people without them knowing. The remarkable thing is he didn’t use his fame. He was so level-headed. He was a truly competitive person, no matter the game; that spirit was always there. It was natural for supporters to connect with him as their king.”
