Manchester United stars, both past and present, gathered at Manchester Cathedral for the funeral service of club legend Denis Law on Tuesday afternoon.
Legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was among the mourners at the service, which saw an attendance of 500 people. Former United greats Gary Neville, Bryan Robson, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes were also present as the service commenced at 2 PM local time.
Current Man United head coach Ruben Amorim arrived with members of the first team, including club captain Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire, while chief executive Omar Berrarda was also in attendance.
Other notable attendees included former Scotland and Liverpool striker Kenny Dalglish, along with Law’s former Manchester City teammates Mike Summerbee and Joe Corrigan.
Law passed away at the age of 84 in January, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia in August 2021.
He is United’s third-highest goal scorer of all time, netting 237 goals in 404 matches, and he shares the record as Scotland’s joint top scorer with 30 goals from 55 caps. Law was part of United’s Holy Trinity alongside Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best, helping lead the club to the European Cup in 1968. George Best’s son, Calum, was also among the guests.
During the service, Law’s daughter, Diana, remarked that her father had “rejoined the trinity,” suggesting that former manager Sir Matt Busby may have already formed a team in heaven.
Ferguson paid tribute to Law, referencing Brazilian legend Pelé’s admiration for the forward. “Placing Denis among the all-time greats is challenging, but Pelé made it easier,” Ferguson stated, recalling Pelé’s comment that Law could fit into the Brazil team.
Ferguson also emphasized Law’s passion for Scotland, noting his 30 goals in 55 appearances. He shared a humorous anecdote about Law’s competitive spirit before a match against England, recalling a moment with Nobby Stiles that highlighted Law’s fierce nature.
A portrait of Law adorned the cathedral for the service, while 500 guests attended to honor his legacy. Outside Old Trafford, fans paid tribute as the procession briefly paused, with a message celebrating “The King” displayed prominently.
Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was absent, represented by Sir Dave Brailsford. The Glazer family, United’s majority owners, also did not attend, as was the case during Sir Bobby Charlton’s funeral in 2023, reportedly to avoid causing a distraction.
Members of the public gathered along the route as Law’s coffin made its way to Old Trafford, where club staff paid their final respects to the forward known as “The King of the Stretford End.” Law is the only player depicted in two statues at the stadium, one on the Stretford End concourse and the other as part of the Trinity statue. The procession paused outside the Trinity Statue before continuing to the cathedral, with flags lowered to half-mast in his honor.
