Denis Law | The King Of The Stretford End

Who am I to say anything about Denis Law, a man who captivated the Theatre of Dreams for 11 seasons, achieved remarkable goalscoring feats for Manchester United and continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of supporters today?

Nothing I write will do him justice, but I will do my best to offer as fitting a tribute as possible.

His is a story of accomplishments, endless records and an infectious smile. He went about his business in a manner befitting the football club, typified by a debut goal only seven minutes into a 2-2 draw with West Brom.

Supporters adored him, players wanted to match his ability, and management could rely on him.

There are four statues at Old Trafford, and Law features in two. Deservedly, he earned United’s first Ballon d’Or and was inevitably crowned the original King of the Stretford End.

Denis Law | The finest striker to grace Old Trafford

The word ‘superstar’ gets thrown around a little too much in 2025, particularly with many prima donna footballers gracing the game at the highest level.

But, make no mistake, Mr Law was one of three at Old Trafford, each offering their unique contribution to the phenomenal Sir Matt Busby.

Nicknamed ‘The Lawman’, the Aberdeen-born attacker notched a staggering 237 goals for his beloved United. Today, that tally sits third behind Sir Bobby Charlton and Wayne Rooney on the all-time scoring list.

I’ve touched upon records: well, he would achieve club records for the most goals scored in the FA Cup with 34 and unsurprisingly, that still holds strong today. Not forgetting the 28 he added from 33 European outings.

Shudder to think it, but I am knocking on the door of 40 and have been enjoying the fruits of Old Trafford since the day Pete Molyneux raised his banner in protest against Sir Alex Ferguson.

That was, of course, against Crystal Palace on December 9, 1989. I was around four and a half at the time, and my father – a lifelong Red – was seven when Denis signed for the Red side of Manchester. He was 17 when an injury-plagued idol crossed the city, and that feeling remains today.

I was never fortunate enough to watch the man play, but I was privileged to meet him several times, once unexpectedly in a coffee shop in Sale.

Much like a chance encounter with Roy Keane on a running track at the University of Limerick when I was a child, coherent words escaped me.

I was in my early 20s and suffering the after-effects of a rather late evening in Sacha’s hotel. Upon seeing the great man, I mustered the strength to say hello and thank him – not for anything in particular, but just to say thank you!

He smiled, shook my hand and continued with his conversation. It took me quite some time to get over that morning. I was rather upset because there was so much I wanted to say. But in hindsight, I think I got it right.

Theatre of Red official podcast | Episode 34 | Jerry Kelleher

Law was every bit the working-class hero of the Stretford End, adored by the masses of supporters who cheered his name weekly.

He was the youngest of seven and raised in relative poverty following the Second World War. But, through grit and determination, he crafted a career that began in Huddersfield before moving to Manchester City, then to Torino and onto his birthright at M16.

Alongside George Best and Charlton, the trio would revolutionise the game in the North West, each claiming their right as the greatest player in European football at one stage and forever immortalised as the Holy Trinity under the watchful eye of Sir Matt.

Sir Alex joined Alex Stepney and Paddy Crerand on the pitch before the weekend arrival of Brighton, with the legendary Scot laying a wreath in honour of his great friend.

Fittingly, 73,758 stood in respect as the teams entered the pitch to the subtle sound of ‘Flower of Scotland’. Even that would have been described as extravagant by the great man, but he would have done so with a cheeky grin.

From astonishing hat-tricks at club level to memorable senior accolades with his beloved Scotland, his achievements are unquestionable, and his legacy is etched in the framework of the beautiful game.

His impact on the fanbase will live eternally in our hearts. Sleep well, King.

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