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      ‘Can you imagine how lucky I was?’ says Van Nistelrooy as he opens up on being Denis Law’s neighbour in touching tribute

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ruud van Nistelrooy paid an emotional tribute to Denis Law – who used to be his neighbour.Law died at the age of 84 on Friday following a brave battle with Alzheimer’s for the last four years.Ruud van Nistelrooy paid tribute to Manchester United legend Denis LawCredit: RexVan Nistelrooy opened up about his time being Law’s neighbour when he played at Man UtdCredit: YouTube / BBCTributes poured in across the sport for one of the greatest centre-forwards of all time, who amassed a staggering 237 goals in 404 appearances during an 11-year stint at United.Van Nistelrooy, 48, joined in with the tributes with some touching words about Law while taking charge of Leicester on Saturday.The Dutchman looked back at his time as a Man Utd player that saw him spending five years in Manchester after joining the club in 2001 from PSV Eindhoven.And the former Real Madrid star spoke about living right next to Law, who became quite the mentor for the then popular striker.Read More on Man UtdThe ex-United caretaker manager opened up after Leicester’s 2-0 loss to Fulham at King Power Stadium on Saturday about how much he got to learn from the “humble” Scot.Van Nistelrooy said: “Can you imagine how lucky I was? Being his neighbour.”I was lucky enough to have a cup of tea with him in his home, looking out the window into his back yard. “Time just passed by, talking about life, football, his career, my young career – being 25 or 26. It was just lovely.Most read in Football”The humble person, a guy with a statue outside of Old Trafford, he was the most humble person you’ll ever meet, with the biggest heart. It was absolutely amazing.Sir Alex Ferguson joins Man Utd players past and present to honour Denis Law at Old Trafford”I discussed some personal issues with him, ones that you have to face when you move abroad, playing for United in the public eye.”All aspects of being a footballer for United, to be able to get things off your chest and the sense of humour that he reacted with. It was really helpful.”Van Nistelrooy has previously discussed his time living next to Law during an interview with former team-mate Gary Neville on Sky Sports.And Neville revealed the rest of the team didn’t know about it or the meetings the Dutch star had with Law over tea and coffee.Van Nistelrooy said two years ago: “I went sometimes for a coffee. Talking about football, goals, strikers… It was fantastic.”It’s my neighbour, got to have a coffee with my neighbour. It was always good to have a chat with him.” More

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      Man Utd pay emotional tribute to Denis Law as Sir Alex Ferguson joins legends on Old Trafford pitch before Brighton game

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      OLD TRAFFORD paid a heart-warming tribute to Manchester United legend Denis Law after his death aged 84.Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson joined Law’s former team-mates Paddy Crerand and Alex Stepney on the pitch as a touching poem was read before kick-off against Brighton.The two teams were led out by pipers playing ‘Flower of Scotland’Man Utd and Brighton players paid tribute to club hero Denis LawTo fans, he was simply known as The KingPaddy Crerand and Alex Stepney joined Ferguson on the pitchClub captain Bruno Fernandes held a wreath as the teams were led out, while the sell-out crowd applaudedThe crowd clapped after a beautiful poem was read out as Bryan Robson watched onFerguson laid down a wreathScottish pipers played out “The Flower of Scotland” as United’s starting line-up walked slowly next to Brighton’s XI on Sunday.Club captain Bruno Fernandes held a wreath as the teams were led out, while a sell-out crowd applauded.Ferguson, who was singing “Take Me Home, United Road”, emerged on to the pitch with a host of United legends.The fellow Scot, 82, laid the wreath on the half-way line after the poem dedicated to Law finished.READ MORE ON MAN UTDMore than 74,000 fans then burst out into another round of applause and song before kick-off. All the flags at Old Trafford are at half mast, including the Scotland flag above the Sir Alex Ferguson stand. Man Utd are wearing black armbands in tribute to Law – who was known as The King of the Stretford End.Mourners began arriving at Old Trafford late on Friday night to lay flowers, scarves and leave messages for Law.Most read in FootballA Ballon d’Or winner in 1964, Law won the European Cup, two English titles and the FA Cup in his 11 years at Old Trafford between 1962 and 1973. He is United’s third-highest goal scorer of all time behind Wayne Rooney and Charlton with 237 in 404 games, and Scotland’s joint top scorer with 30 goals from his 55 caps.Can you imagine how lucky I was-‘ says Van Nistelrooy as he opens up on being Denis Law’s neighbour in touching tributeLaw revealed in August 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.He is one of the United Trinity immortalised in a statue at Old Trafford alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton, who passed away last year.Ferguson hugged his former striker Danny Welbeck, who now plays for Brighton, before the whistle.Ferguson recalled heartfelt memories about first meeting Law, who he considers “the best Scottish player of all time”.The iconic Man Utd gaffer told MUTV ahead of this afternoon’s tribute: “Once you knew Denis, and saw him play, you said well this is a player.”He’s got all these caps for Scotland, the King of Old Trafford.“The interesting thing is why do they call him ‘The King’ because they had George Best and Bobby Charlton, the greatest English player of all time.“He was a fantastic player for this club but they called Denis ‘The King’. “It’s something to do with his determination, the will to win he showed every time he went on to a football field.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s what he was – a really competitive human being. No matter which game, that was always there. “This image of Denis Law fighting against the centre-half, if the goalkeeper dropped the ball, he’d be right over the top of them. “Ferguson recalled touching memories before kick offFerguson headed to Ruben Amorim in the technical area before the game startedCredit: ReutersUnited’s XI lined up and applauded Law with the fansTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Why are Man Utd wearing black armbands against Brighton?

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are wearing black armbands for their Premier League match against Brighton. United sadly lost one of their most famous sons on Friday night, as Denis Law died after a battle with dementia.Man Utd are wearing black armbands todayLaw scored 237 goals for Man Utd and helped them to two league titles, an FA Cup and the 1968 European CupLaw’s family confirmed his passing in a statement released via the club.It read: “Manchester United is deeply saddened to share the following statement on behalf of the Law family.”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.Read more on Denis Law“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.”Tributes poured in for the striker, who scored 237 goals for United and helped them to two league titles, the FA Cup and the 1968 European Cup.Law, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1964, also played for Man City and famously helped United get relegated with an incredible back-heel goal late in the season.Why are Man Utd wearing black armbands against Brighton?Man Utd are wearing black armbands in tribute to Denis Law – who was known as The King of the Stretford End.Most read in FootballIt is a traditional sign of mourning and respect for someone who has passed away.United will also hold a minute’s applause at Old Trafford in honour of Law, who was part of the Holy Trinity along with George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.Fans lay down flowers, shirts and scarves next to Sir Bobby Charlton’s Old Trafford statue Tributes to Denis LawMourners began arriving at Old Trafford late on Friday night to lay flowers, scarves and leave messages for Law.The Holy Trinity have a statue outside the ground with people gathering there to pay their respects and more arriving throughout Saturday and ahead of kick off on Sunday.One message, written on a football shirt, contained a famous quote from journalist Hugh McIlvanney.It read: “If you were to send a man out to score a goal to save your life, send for the Lawman.”More flowers were laid at another Law statue in his hometown of Aberdeen.Former United players and others from the football world also sent messages on social media.Former team-mate Brian Kidd wrote: “He was slight, with the heart of a lion.”An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal.”He said to me: ‘If you’re ever wide, don’t look up, put the cross in early. If I’m not there it’s my fault’. He was usually there.”Sir Matt [Busby] loved him. We all did. He was the King of the Stretford End.”The Trafford Pub in Manchester has a mural of LawMourners arrived at Old Trafford throughout Saturday and SundayFormer Man Utd captain Bryan Robson added: “We have lost one of football’s giants both as a player and a gentleman.”It’s incredibly sad, he was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man.”David Beckham wrote on Instagram: “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.”Gary Neville, who played 400 times for United during a two-decade career, wrote: “Rest in Peace Denis.”A great footballer and a great man. It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company. The King of the Stretford End.”United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney took to X, adding: “Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.”Rod Stewart, who was great friends with Law, posted a picture of the pair of them together and wrote: “Farewell my hero – Rest in Peace”.Is Dennis Bergkamp named after Denis Law?Yes, this may sound like a myth because of the different spelling but it is true.Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp is named after Denis Law – his father Wim being a keen amateur footballer and huge fan of the United star.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe different spelling isn’t even down to a misspelling, rather that a local registrar forced the Bergkamps to add an extra ‘n’.They refused to recognise the name as they felt it was too similar to Denise without it. More

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      Wayne Rooney reveals Denis Law gave him goalscoring tips after handing him Man Utd’s No10 shirt in emotional tribute

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      WAYNE ROONEY has paid an emotional tribute to Denis Law by saying: Wearing your No 10 shirt was an honour.Manchester United are mourning the ‘King of the Stretford End’, who died on Friday aged 84 after battling dementia.Wayne Rooney paid tribute to ‘legend’ LawCredit: GettyDenis Law (right) was Sir Alex Ferguson’s favourite playerCredit: AlamyRooney, like Law, was a famous holder of the Man Utd no.10 shirtCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdOld Trafford will double as a shrine to the Scot before today’s home clash with Brighton.There will be a minute’s applause for the man who scored 237 league goals for the Red Devils between 1962 and 1973.Only two men have scored more for United: Law’s team-mate and fellow great Sir Bobby Charlton — and Rooney himself.Rooney, a United goal machine from 2004 to 2017, recalled the moment he got Law’s iconic shirt.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHe said: “Initially I was No 8 when I joined Manchester United but when Ruud van Nistelrooy left, Denis presented me with the No 10 shirt.“That was a huge honour for me to have one of the club legends present me with that shirt — to wear that number was such a huge thing.”Law famously scored against United for Manchester City in 1974 on the day the former European champions were relegated.He had two short spells at City as well as turning out for Huddersfield and Italian outfit Torino.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it was United that always remained closest to his heart and he was a regular visitor to Old Trafford in retirement.His family also felt the same way, with daughter Di becoming press officer during the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DayRooney, 39, speaking to BBC Five Live, added: “He was always very helpful with lots of advice over the years. He was a great guy to speak to.“When you join this football club you do a lot of learning about the history and Denis was certainly one of the main players.“His daughter worked at the club so I became quite close with the family. Every time I met Denis he gave me good advice about scoring goals and tried to help me as much as he could.“It was really sad when I heard the news so I want to pass on my condolences to his family as well. He was not just a football legend — a real family man has left us.”Van Nistelrooy also paid tribute to Law, who was his neighbour when the Leicester boss played at Old Trafford.He said: “I used to go round for coffee. Time just passed by talking about life, his career and football. It was just lovely.“He was the most humble person you could ever meet for someone who has a statue outside Old Trafford. And he had the biggest heart.“I could get some things off my chest and he had a great sense of humour, too. It was very helpful — and it was ever so special.”Ex-United captain Gary Neville, 49, said: “I know he was Sir Alex Ferguson’s favourite player. “I spent some time with him, which was a great privilege, and got to know him as a great gentleman with great humour but humble, carrying no arrogance about his career at all.“My dad and my grandad went to Manchester United from the age of five and talked about Law, Best and Charlton, the three most famous players to have played for Manchester United.“Denis was absolutely brilliant company. He was humble in his greatness — which is the best tribute I can pay him.”Law was also involved in charity work in retirement and set up the Denis Law Legacy Trust back in 2012.Neville added: “The work he did in terms of raising his voice about Alzheimer’s and prostate cancer.“He was brave on the pitch, I know from what everyone has said that he didn’t mess around, but he was also brave off it. He will be sadly missed.”Music legend Sir Rod Stewart also paid tribute to Law on Instagram, sharing a photo of them together, with the message: “Farewell my hero, rest in peace.”Players and staff will wear black armbands for the Brighton clash, likewise the women’s team for tonight’s derby against Manchester City at the Etihad.United chief executive Omar Berrada joined hundreds of fans at Old Trafford yesterday morning as flowers, flags and wreaths were laid.Aberdeen-born Law is immortalised there in a statue alongside Sir Bobby and fellow legend George Best — United’s famous Holy Trinity.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe is the only Scot to win the Ballon d’Or, which he received in 1964.Law is joint record scorer for Scotland with 30 goals in 55 caps. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s emotional visits to Man Utd legend Denis Law at nursing home in weeks before his death revealed

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      SIR Alex Ferguson visited Man United legend Denis Law up to three times a week at the nursing home where his dementia-hit friend died on Friday, aged 84.The club’s former boss, 83, who lives near the Cheshire home, was a regular to see his fellow Scot.Sir Alex Ferguson visited Denis Law in his final daysCredit: RexSir Alex and Denis in 2005Credit: AlamyFlowers have been laid at the Old Trafford statue depicting Law, Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best.Sir Alex will be in attendance at United’s game on Sunday as a number of tributes are played to the striker, which will culminate in a minute’s applause.A source said: “The club have some really nice touching tributes to Denis.”There will be a lot of sadness but also moments of laughter, because Denis loved his football and loved life.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA statement from the club on Friday said: “Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed.“With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players. The ultimate goalscorer, 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.”United trio David Beckham, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were among figures from around the world of football to pay their respects to the Scot.Most read in FootballBecks 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.”Sir Alex Ferguson hails late Man Utd secretary Kath Phipps after her funeralFlowers have been laid at the Old Trafford statue depicting Law, Best and CharltonCredit: Getty More

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      Garry Brooke dead at 64: Tottenham star who won three trophies in four years dies as club pay heartbreaking tribute

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      FORMER Spurs star Garry Brooke who won the Uefa Cup and two FA Cups has died aged 64.The midfielder passed away on Saturday morning following a lengthy battle with illness.Ex-Tottenham star Garry Brooke has died at the age of 64Credit: GettyBrooke won three trophies in four years at the clubCredit: GettyBrooke, who was born in Bethnal Green, East London, joined the club as a ten-year-old in 1971.Ten years later, he was a substitute in the 100th FA Cup final, coming on for superstar Ricky Villa in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City at Wembley.The Englishman watched from the bench five days later as the Argentine World Cup winner produced a memorable piece of individual magic and scored twice to win the replay 3-2.Despite suffering with a long injury lay-off the next season, Brooke recovered to play in the 1982 FA Cup final and subsequent replay against QPR, both times as a substitute, collecting a second winner’s medal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA serious car accident in February 1983 left him fighting for his life and he was never the same player again – though he did play a part in the early rounds of Spurs’ 1983/84 UEFA Cup success.Brooke, a father-of-two, played for a number of other clubs, including Norwich, Dutch side Groningen, Wimbledon, Brentford and Reading before moving into non-league.After playing professionally, he coached in local schools and also worked as a matchday reporter for the Press Association and OPTA stats gurus at both Spurs and Leyton Orient.A statement from Tottenham said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Garry Brooke this morning, following a lengthy battle with illness. Most read in Football”Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this impossibly difficult time.”Norwich City posted: “All at Norwich City are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Garry Brooke after a battle with illness. “We pass on our sincere condolences to Garry’s loved ones at this sad time.”Osvaldo “Ossie” Ardiles, who managed Brooke from 1978 through to 1985, said on social media: “Very very sad news. Gary was a wonderful player and even more a wonderful friend. “My thoughts and prayers with your family and friends. “Very honoured to have played football with you and been your friend. Rest in peace dear Brooksy.” More

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      Bizarre reason Arsenal icon Dennis Bergkamp is named after Man Utd legend Denis Law despite different spelling

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      ARSENAL icon Dennis Bergkamp has his name in the roots of Manchester United.The legendary Dutchman’s father, Wim, was an ardent Red Devils fan.Arsenal icon Dennis Bergkamp was named after Man Utd icon Denis LawCredit: GettyThe Dutchman’s father, Wim, was an ardent Man Utd fanCredit: RexAnd he named his son after Red Devils icon LawCredit: RexHowever, an extra ‘n’ was added to his name for a bizarre reasonCredit: Getty Images – GettyAnd such was his love, that in 1969 the Amsterdam electrician named his first son after the late Denis Law.During the 1960s Law was in the prime of his career, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1964 and helping Man Utd to win two First Division titles and become the first English side to win the European Cup in 1968.However, Bergkamp was forced to add another “n” into the name by the registrar, who wouldn’t allow him to have Law’s version of Denis.This was bizarrely because of an obscure Dutch baptismal regulation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRegardless, Bergkamp followed in the footsteps of his father’s icon by becoming a top striker in English football.It was announced on Friday that Law had passed away at the age of 84 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.The King, as he is known to the United faithful, was the last surviving member of the Holy Trinity completed by George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.Law is only Scottish footballer to have ever won the Ballon d’Or and holds the record for the most hat-tricks by a Man Utd player with an incredible 18 – for reference Wayne Rooney scored eight.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTributes poured in for Law from across the world following the news of his death.David Beckham wrote on his Instagram page: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis’s family.Former Man Utd footballer Denis Law looks back on his incredible career in Sky doc The Law Man “Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.”Neville, who played 400 times for United during a two-decade career, said: “Rest in Peace Denis. A great footballer and a great man. “It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company. The King of the Stretford End.”United’s record goalscorer, Rooney, took to X, writing: “Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.”Law’s ex-United team-mate Brian Kidd added: “He was slight, with the heart of a lion.”An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal.”Singer Rod Stewart was one of his biggest fans, and shared a photo of them arm in arm in Scotland garb.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe image was taken after he had been filmed scoring a goal for Scotland in a match involving England stars Ray Clemence, Trevor Brooking and Jack Charlton for the title sequence of An Audience With Rod Stewart on ITV.He added the words: “Farewell my hero – Rest in Peace.” More

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      ‘A privilege and honour’ – Denis Law tributes pour in as Beckham, Neville and Rooney pay respects to Man Utd icon

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      MANCHESTER UNITED stars of past and present have paid tribute to club legend Denis Law. The Red Devils icon passed away at the age of 84 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s.Man Utd legend Denis Law has died at the age of 84Credit: RexDavid Beckham led the tributes from past United playersCredit: InstagramLaw won two First Division title and a European Cup with the Red DevilsCredit: RexBecks’ ex-teammate Gary Neville also paid tribute to the Scottish forwardCredit: PAUnited trio David Beckham, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were among figures from around the world of football to pay their respects to the Scot.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.”Neville, who played 400 times for United during a two-decade career, wrote: “Rest in Peace Denis.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”A great footballer and a great man. It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company. The King of the Stretford End.”Ex-England forward Rooney took to X, writing: “Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.”Law’s ex-United teammate Brian Kidd added: “He was slight, with the heart of a lion.”An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal. Most read in Football”He said to me: ‘If you’re ever wide, don’t look up, put the cross in early. If I’m not there it’s my fault’. He was usually there. “Sir Matt [Busby] loved him. We all did. He was the King of the Stretford End.”Former Man Utd footballer Denis Law looks back on his incredible career in Sky doc The Law Man Former Man Utd captain Bryan Robson penned his own tribute, saying: “We have lost one of football’s giants both as a player and a gentleman.”It’s incredibly sad, he was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man.”Law’s family confirmed the United legend’s passing in a statement released by the club on Friday evening. It read: “Manchester United is deeply saddened to share the following statement on behalf of the Law family.”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.”Law began his career with Huddersfield Town as a teenager in the mid-1950s.Law won 55 caps for Scotland, scoring 30 goalsCredit: XThe League One club wrote on X: “All at Huddersfield Town are profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Denis Law. “A legend of not only our great Club, but an immortal of the sport as a whole, he will be deeply missed and his memory cherished by us all. “Our collective thoughts are with Denis’ family and loved ones at this time. Once a Terrier, always a Terrier.”Law later moved to Manchester City and Torino before arriving at Old Trafford in 1962.Over the next 11 years, he would win two First Division titles and a European Cup with United.One member of United’s Holy Trinity alongside Bobby Charlton and George Best, Law netted a remarkable 237 goals in 404 games.Wayne Rooney also paid his respects to a United legendCredit: RexCapped 55 times by Scotland, his national team wrote on X: “A true great. We will not see his likes again.”And Law’s international teammate Joe Jordan told the BBC: “Denis Law is one of the greatest players to ever play for Scotland. READ MORE SUN STORIES”What he achieved at club level, people associate Manchester United with Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law. “That speaks for itself, he was a special player.” More