Sir Alex Ferguson fought back the tears today while trying to his “Hero” Denis Law.
Sir Alex spoke to the former funeral of Manchester United and Scotland Legend: “” He would fight against his grandmother for a goal. He had so much courage. A meager guy who stands with all those big defenders. '
He added: “Trying to place Denis in the Pantheon of all time is a challenge. But it is made easier by Pele. He was asked if there was a British player in the [great] Brazilian team. He said Denis Law – what a fantastic tribute is. '
Thousands had sent along the streets of Manchester, because football fans from both United and City paid tribute to “The King”. Sir Alex also said: “He loved Scotland and he loved to beat England. He once stood in line for a match against England. He loved Nobby Stiles and Nobby worshiped him. Nobby came off the tunnel and wished Denis the very best. Denis gave him a wilting look and dismissed a volley of abuse where Nobby has never forgotten. '
Players of the past and present proved in force when the city of United to express their respect to the legendary striker who died last month at the age of 84. Mourners in the Cathedral of Manchester include United's current boss Ruben Amorim alongside players Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.
Former players including Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes also attended the moving service. And football legends including Sir Kenny Dalglish, Mike Summerbee, Alex Stepney, Bryan Robson and Brian Kidd were also among the mourners.
Sir Rod Stewart sent a blue bouquet in the shape of the Scottish flag, with the message: “You are and will always be, my football hero.”
A bouquet of red and white flowers from United simply said, “Rip Denis, the king, love MUFC.” Many fans of Real Madrid – in the city for the Champions League match of their team against City – also paid their respect,
The law was a third of the famous “United Trinity” alongside colleague George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton. His targeted bravery earned him the nickname “The King of the Stretford End” among fans.
He also remains the only Scotsman who has won the prize as the best player in the world, the Ballon d'Or. The law has been living with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia for more than three years when he died.
Outside the cathedral, former United keeper Alex Stepney said: 'He was great, absolutely brilliant. He was also a chief executive. It is very rare to get someone like Denis. “
Stepney arrived with ex-city star Mike Summerbee, who said: “We are talking about one of the biggest football players we have ever seen. He was also a gentleman. He was a great player, we will miss him. '
Brian Kidd, who also played for both United and City, said: “As a player he had such a personality on the field. Outside the field he was a character, a great person. He could be pretty shy, but you wouldn't know if you saw him on the field. He was great, very modest, I will never forget him. '
And ex-sizing keeper Peter Schmeichel said: 'What a man, I will repeat that, what a man! I feel very happy that I got to know him a little. What a character and what a personality he was. There are five names that resonate through the history of Manchester United, and he is one of that. He was the king. “
Before you go to the cathedral, the procession of the hearse and the funeral is passed by Old Trafford – pause for a few minutes through the statue of the United Trinity. Hundreds of fans burst into applause to show their love for the former striker. The club also opened a condolence book where fans could leave their personal tribute.
The law spent 11 years at United and scored 237 goals in 404 performances. He won two league titles with United and was a member of their European Cup-winning side under Sir Matt Busby in 1968. He also scored 30 times for Scotland, where he stays their joint top scorer next to Kenny Dalglish.
The law was the youngest of seven children, born in Aberdeen on February 24, 1940 and grew up in poverty. Raised by fishing father George and mother Robina in a small council slat, he went barefoot to the age of 12.
When he finally received his first pair of shoes, it was hand-me-downs who had previously belonged to his three brothers. He did not receive his first pair of football boots until the age of 16.
Although his view is hit by a serious squint, the young person obsessed with football received his big break in 1954 when he was seen by Huddersfield Scout Archie Beattie. Their then manager Andy Beattie was quoted at that time. “I have never seen a less likely football perspective – weak, void and brilled.”
Because of his vision problems, the law would shoot over the field with one eye to see the right until the club paid for an operation to correct its hooks. Manchester City paid a British record transfer of £ 55,000 for his services in 1960 and scored 24 goals in 50 performances.
After a spell in Italy with Torino offered. Sir Matt Busby him the chance to return to Manchester. He signed for United in the summer of 1962. The Red Devils were rebuilt after the destruction of the air disaster in Munich from 1958.
The combination of law, Best and Charlton saw United become one of the most famous attacking teams that the English game has ever seen. In 1964 he claimed the Ballon d'Or from 1964 – the only shot that raised the price.
After 11 seasons in Red Law, to return to the city. He scored a famous goal against United that he refused to celebrate, on the day they were relegated to the Second Division.
Unlike urban myths, it was not the goal that United sent down. The law revealed in August 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. He is survived by his wife Diana, Sons Gary, Andrew, Robert and Iain and daughter Diana.
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