Sir Rod Stewart’s touching goodbye to ‘The King’ of football Denis Law

On Tuesday, paying tribute at the funeral packed with 750 guests, legendary ex-United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: “He would fight his granny for a goal. He had so much courage. A skinny guy standing by all those big defenders.

“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. 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.”

One of Law’s heartbroken daughters Diana Buckley led tributes to her “inspirational” father, who despite being born with sight problems, had the personal strength to achieve greatness.

She said: “Despite all life threw at this skinny, squinty-eyed boy, he looked adversity in the eye but didn’t blink.”

Referring to her father’s former teammates and fellow United legends Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best, she said: “There’s an Englishman, Irishman and a Scotsman in heaven smiling down.

“I’d like to think they’ve started a team with all the others and mum on the sidelines making them a cup of tea.”

Ms Buckley told how when Law was growing up, his father worked five days a week and there wasn’t much material wealth but his upbringing was “emotionally rich” – and football became his passion.

She said he would play football with friends in the street “even when there wasn’t an actual ball”, learning to play “with one eye closed” due to his squint.

Current United coach Ruben Amorim joined fans, dignitaries and figures from the footballing world for the service – alongside squad players such as Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire.

Sir Rod Stewart’s funeral bouquet note summed up the grief of generations of Manchester United and City fans as they said goodbye to Denis Law: “You are, and always will be, my footballing hero.”

Dubbed ‘The King’ at Old Trafford, Law was one of the greatest stars in Manchester United‘s history and the club’s third all-time top scorer with 237 goals in 404 appearances from 1962-1973.

The Scottish striker was the last survivor of the iconic ‘United Trinity’, with legends Sir Bobby Charlton – who died aged 86 in 2023 – and George Best, who passed away in 2005 aged 59.

And as the greats of the game entered Manchester Cathedral for his funeral, the hearse slowly passed the Theatre of Dreams – and the famous statue of Law with arm aloft, between his pals Best and Charlton.

Hundreds of bouquets were brought to the cathedral and laid outside Old Trafford, but one that struck a chord with Scotland fans was sent by Celtic supporter, Sir Rod Stewart, 80.

The blue flowers, in tribute to Law’s 30 goals in 50 internationals and the only Scot to ever win the Ballon d’Or, came with a note that read: “You are, and always will be, my footballing hero.”

Born in Aberdeen, Law began his career with Huddersfield Town, also had a spell in Italy with Torino and was capped 55 times for his country – his 30 goals making him Scotland’s joint top scorer of all time.

He was sold for a British record fee three times during his career and twice played for City – wearing the same number ’10’ shirt he wore at United.

But last month his family revealed the father-of-five had died aged 84 after a “tough battle” with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia and said he was “finally now at peace.”

Old Trafford icons Brian Kidd, Alex Stepney and Willie Morgan were among Law’s former United team-mates at the funeral, as was former City team-mate Mike Summerbee.

Bryan Robson, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Pete Schmeichel and Ruud van Nistelrooy were others at the service.

Retired goalkeeper Stepney, 82, suggested now Law has been reunited with Charlton and Best they’ll be “picking the team!” in heaven.

Bryan Robson, 68, added: “Everyone had their special moment with him.”

Ex-United forward and fellow Scot Brian McClair, 61, told how Law gave him some tongue-in-cheek advice when he first came to play at Old Trafford in the late 80s.

McClair, who previously played for Motherwell and Celtic, said: “Denis said to me ‘Don’t score hat-tricks because they’ll expect that every game. Just score two’.”

Outside the cathedral Sir Alex added that Law was “the best Scottish player of all time. He summarised a Scotsman, the fighting element, he could fight in an empty house! An incredible human being.”

Brian Kidd, who won the European Cup with United in 1968 and played alongside Law for several seasons, said: ‘When Denis won the Ballon d’Or in 1964, I signed as an apprentice for United.

“His humility was superb. You wouldn’t believe he was a superstar. Down to earth, such a lovely person. The Trinity epitomise what Manchester United is all about – it’s in the soul. Great people have been the backbone of the club.”

Outside the cathedral fans lined up to see the coffin – which arrived in a hearse with flowers that spelled ‘Law 10’ inside – and pay their own respects.

The funeral procession arrived at the cathedral to the sound of bagpipes playing Flower of Scotland. Sir Rod Stewart’s rendition of Angel was played as the service ended.

United fan John Bateman, 72, a former rose grower, from Warrington, said: “I am originally from Yorkshire so when I moved, I went round all the north west clubs looking for a local team to support.

“I came to Old Trafford and saw Denis score three goals against Chelsea and the rest is history. He was a great goalscorer and my favourite player. He was my all-time hero.”

Wife Linda Bateman, 69, said: “I worked in the club shop and he once came in for a book signing. I walked into the brew room and he was sat there.

“I rung my husband straight away to tell him who I was having a brew with! He was a true gentleman.”

Thomas McGuire, 75, said: “I met him a few times at after-dinner speeches. He was a great boy and always had time for you.

“He was a great, great footballer and a great goalscorer. One of the best I have seen, without doubt. I once saw him score for goals in a match – all headers! He was so talented.”

More than 1,000 fans also gathered at Old Traford to applaud as the cortege passed the stadium, pausing at the Trinity statue – before it travelled on to Manchester Cathedral.

Black and white images of Law stretched down the front of the stadium’s East Stand where a book of condolence was open and flags flied at half-mast in memory of one of the club’s greatest ever.

The private wake was later held at Old Trafford.