Despite the gray skies, the strange place of rain and certainly cool temperatures, Mancunians – both the red and the light blue conviction – emerged in numbers to say a dear goodbye to the Great Denis law.
A few thousand people flocked to Old Trafford to express their respect, because first the funeral discortion became moving under the Trinity statue and then made the 20-minute journey to the Cathedral of Manchester.
While the 'King of the Stretford End' came by that now iconic statue of Three United Greats – Law, George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton – the crowd burst into applause, the strange handkerchief that is needed to tear or Two away if a few pointed out that all three of those players have now died.
In the cathedral, the law and his family were greeted by another large crowd and a lonely piper. Law of course a United Great, but also a giant of Scottish football.
The service itself was one of memory but also celebration. Celebration of a really great football player, but also a nice person. Those who knew him the best here in Manchester all noticed what a men's law was.
The Cathedral of Manchester was filled with 500 people, including teammates such as Brian Kidd and Alex Stepney, who told about Law's Lightning-Releball-Brain and his goals in the goals while Peter Schmeichel and Bryan Robson spoke about following his footsteps.
Members of the 2025 class were present, led by manager Ruben Amorim. Smartly dressed in United Suits, Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire represented the players and flanked Wayne Rooney in the cathedral. Ruud van Nistorelrooy, another Great United goalkeeper, together with Law and Rooney, came to express his respect.
They heard lectures and commemorations, the Hymne Jerusalem and Psalm 23; “The Lord is my shepherd” and a tribute of Sir Alex Ferguson.
At the end of the service there was a nice touch when the congregation heard a recording of the song 'Angel' – an unlikely duet with law and Sir Rod Stewart.
The cathedral bells chimden 84 times, one for each year of the life of the law, while the service was submitted with the last words from Sir Alex Ferguson.
I asked him why the law was such a good player and such a legend for United, but ended with a quick question and obvious explanation: “A proud shot?”
Sir Alex shone with pleasure and a wonderful smile. “Oh yes, very proud indeed,” he said. From one Scotland and United Legend to the other.
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