Sir Alex Ferguson leads touching tributes to Man Utd legend Denis Law at Old Trafford
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Manchester United paid an emotional tribute to club legend Denis Law before Sunday's match against Brighton, following his death at age 84.
A bagpiper led both teams onto the pitch playing Flower of Scotland, setting a sombre tone at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson laid a wreath on the centre circle as supporters burst into applause to honour their former striker.
All flags at Old Trafford flew at half-mast for the occasion, with players wearing black armbands to remember the man known as 'The King of the Stretford End'.
Sir Alex Ferguson led the tributes on Sunday afternoon to Denis Law
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The tribute brought together generations of United supporters to remember one of the club's greatest players.
Stadium announcer Alan Keegan read a poignant poem to the hushed crowd, declaring: "Beyond the goals the man stood tall, a heart of gold who inspired all. He's still the King of the Stretford End."
United legends Pat Crerand, Alex Stepney, and Brian Kidd were present to pay their respects to their former teammate.
A 'King of the Stretford End' banner was held aloft by supporters during the tribute.
The minute's applause was impeccably observed by fans, players and coaches from both teams.
Fans had earlier laid flowers at the Holy Trinity statue outside Old Trafford, where Law stands immortalised alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Law scored 237 goals in 404 appearances during his trophy-laden spell at United between 1962 and 1973.
The Scottish striker won the European Cup, two English titles and the FA Cup during his 11 years at Old Trafford.
Alex Ferguson, Brian Kidd, Paddy Crerand and Alex Stepney paid tribute to Denis Law
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He was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 1964, cementing his status as one of football's greatest forwards.
Law had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia in August 2021, becoming the sixth member of United's European Cup-winning squad under Sir Matt Busby to suffer from dementia.
He was Scotland's joint top scorer with 30 goals from his 55 international caps.
Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Law before the match, hailing him as "the best Scottish player of all time."
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Manchester United fans gathered outside to pay tribute
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"United had George Best and Bobby Charlton, but they called him The King," Ferguson told MUTV.
"When he joined us in 1963 he turned the club around. That's the greatest thing he could ever have done," he added.
Ferguson emphasised Law's crucial role in rebuilding the team: "The part he played at that time was so vital to the renovation of the team. I think most people always remember that signing from Italy. It was a cornerstone of their future success."
Law's family announced his passing on Friday night with a heartfelt statement: "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."
Denis Law is reowned as one of United's greatest ever players
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Manchester United's official statement celebrated Law's legacy: "Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End.
"With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club's greatest and most beloved players."
United CEO Omar Berrada joined supporters in laying wreaths at the Trinity statue outside Old Trafford on Saturday, where fans have been leaving flowers and scarves in memory of their hero.
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