SIR Alex Ferguson has paid an emotional tribute to Manchester United legend Denis Law – as he was joined by Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney at his funeral.
The last surviving member of the Red Devils’ holy trinity passed away on January 17 aged 84 after a battle with dementia.
The former striker’s cortege left the club’s Old Trafford stadium at around 1.10pm before making its way to Manchester Cathedral for the funeral service.
His coffin was then carried inside, with his daughter Diane Law among those seen arriving.
Ex-United defender and Sky Sports pundit Neville, as well as former teammates Wayne Rooney, Nicky Butt, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Paul Scholes and Peter Schmeichel, and their treble-winning manager Sir Alex, are all in attendance.
David Beckham’s dad Ted has also been snapped outside the church, as has ex-footballer and TV personality Dion Dublin and ex-Scotland internationals Eddie Gray and Kenny Dalglish.
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Sir Alex has been described as “visibly emotional” as he stood at the lectern to read a tribute during the service, according to a reporter in attendance.
‘WITH A HEAVY HEART’
Law’s heartbroken family said in a statement last month: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you.”
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Ballon d’Or winner Law started his career at Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and played for Torino in Italy.
But it was at Old Trafford from 1962-73 where he made his name scoring 237 goals in 404 games.
He won two titles with United and the FA Cup and helped them to the 1968 European Cup Final where they beat Benfica although missed out on the game due to injury.
Sir Bobby Charlton, Law and George Best were integral as the Red Devils become the first English side to win the European Cup.
Man U said in a statement: “Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84.
“With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Best, Law and Charlton together scored 665 goals in 1,636 games for the club.
And each won the Ballon d’Or between 1964-68 — with Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 the only United player to do it since.
The footballing legend scored 30 goals in 55 games for Scotland.
The United trio of David Beckham, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were among figures from around the world of football to pay their respects to the Scot.
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Becks wrote on his Instagram page: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis’s family.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.”
Fabulous tributes paid to Denis Law in service
Some in the service were moved to tears, reports the BBC, when his daughter Diana spoke about him being reunited in heaven with George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Matt Busby.
Law ‘loved beating England’
Also speaking at the service, Sir Alex Ferguson said: “Trying to place Denis in the pantheon of all time greats is a challenge. But it is made easier by Pele.
“He was asked if there was a British player who could get in the [great] Brazil team. He said Denis Law – which is a fantastic tribute.”
Sir Alex went on to say he often wondered why supporters called him The King, and came to the conclusion “it was to do with his profile”.
“He would fight his granny for a goal,” he said.
“He had so much courage. A skinny guy standing amongst all those big defenders.”
Sir Alex continued: “He loved Scotland and he loved beating England.
“He once lined up before a game against England. He loved Nobby Stiles and Nobby worshipped him. Nobby came bounding down the tunnel and wished Denis all the best.
“Denis gave him a withering look and let off a volley of abuse Nobby never forgot.”
Sir Alex Ferguson arriving at Manchester Cathedral for the funeral of Denis Law. ‘Dad used to travel back to Aberdeen every weekend’
Law’s daughter Diana told the congregation her father used to travel back to his hometown in Scotland every weekend after first meeting his wife – also named Diana – but only with his manager Sir Matt Busby’s permission.
She said: “There were rumours he sometimes took an early bath to get back quicker. I don’t believe that.
“And I don’t believe either that he deliberately got sent off just before Christmas so he could have Christmas off.”
Man Utd CEO attends service
Omar Berrada is among those attending today’s funeral.
Credit: PA Floral tribute to ‘the King’
Hundreds of floral tributes have been left across Manchester, including this one from Man Utd.
Credit: REUTERS Fergie overcome as he reads tribute to his hero
Sir Alex Ferguson has become visibly emotional while paying tribute to Denis Law, writes Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst), chief Man Utd writer for Manchester Evening News.
Denis Law’s daughter has arrived for the funeral
Diane Law, the daughter of Denis Law, at the funeral. ‘My footballing hero’ – Sir Rod Stewart’s tender note to Law
Scottish football fan Sir Rod has sent this note to Denis Law’s funeral.
Credit: REUTERS Piper accompanies funeral as coffin arrives at cathedral
The coffin of former Manchester United and Scotland forward Denis Law has arrived at Manchester Cathedral.
Credit: PA Credit: PA Rooney arrives for funeral
Wayne Rooney is among those to have arrived for the funeral in the past few minutes. Other recent arrivals include Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and current beleagured Utd head coach Ruben Amorim, below.
‘Thanks for the memories’
Fans have been leaving tributes to ‘The King’ all day, including these, left outside the Holy Trinity statue at Old Trafford.
Neville, Scholes and Schmeichel arrive for funeral
Utd legends Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Peter Schmeichel, pictured, are the latest legends to arrive for the service. Also in attendance is Scotland and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish, bottom.
Credit: ALAMY
Fans pay respect to Law as funeral cortege passes Old Trafford
Here is a poignant moment from Manchester as fans outside the ground pay tribute to the legend.
The funeral cortege of Denis Law passes by Old Trafford, as fans pay their respects, below,Credit: Reuters Nicky Butt arrives for funeral
Former Utd player Butt, below, is among those to have arrived recently for the funeral.
More Utd legends arrive for the funeral
Sir Alex Ferguson, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Bryan Robson, below, are among those to have arrived for the funeral.
Sir Alex Ferguson arriving at Manchester Cathedral for the funeral of Denis Law. Credit: ALAMY George Best’s son Calum arrives for the service. Order of service for Law as more fans arrive outside service
Poignant images are starting to arrive from outside Manchester Cathedral, including this one of the order of service, below, while more fans, bottom, arrive to pay their respects to the Utd legend.
Becks’ dad arrives for funeral
David Beckham’s dad Ted has arrived for the funeral.
Ted Beckham arrives at Manchester Cathedral for the funeral of Denis Law.Credit: PETER POWELL Fans arrive at Manchester Cathedral ahead of funeral
Here’s the first pic of fans arriving for the funeral of Denis Law.
Meanwhile, David Beckham’s dad Ted has also been photographed outside the funeral.
One legend to another
Sir Alex Ferguson pays tribute to Denis Law before the start of the English Premier League game between Utd and Brighton at the Old Trafford stadium last month. Floral tributes to Law at Old Trafford
Fans have started arriving at Old Trafford to pay tribute to Denis Law, whose funeral is taking place today.
One fan puts down some red roses in memory of Denis Law today at Old Trafford. A portrait of Fomer Manchester United and Scotland footballer Denis Law inside Manchester Cathedral. Man Utd flag at half mast
Manchester United flag is flying at half-mast at Old Trafford today in the memory of former Scotland and Manchester United footballer Denis Law, on the day of his funeral
History of a Scottish legend – who never played for a Scottish club
Born in Aberdeen in February 1940, Law never actually played for a Scottish club.
Instead he joined Huddersfield straight from school in 1955 before moving to Manchester City five years later for a then British record fee of £55,000.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
