Manchester United great Denis Law – nicknamed the King of the Stretford End – died in January, aged 84, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Vascular dementia
Football legend Denis Law left an estate worth more than £2 million in his will, documents reveal.
The Manchester United great – nicknamed the King of the Stretford End – died in January, aged 84, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Vascular dementia. Probate documents reveal he left a total of £2,035,475 to wife Diana and his family.
Law’s flair, tenacity and silky skills helped Manchester United to two league titles and a European Cup win in 1968 under Sir Matt Busby. He made up one third of the famous “United Trinity” alongside fellow greats George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.
At his funeral Sir Alex Ferguson, fought back tears as he paid tribute, saying: “He would fight his granny for a goal. He had so much courage. A skinny guy standing by all those big defenders.”
Announcing the news of his death back in January, his family said: “It is with a heavy heart we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.”
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Manchester United added: “Everyone is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84. With 237 goals in 404 appearances, he will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.”
At his funeral in February thousands lined the streets of Manchester as fans of both United and City, where Law also played, said goodbye.
Sir Alex said: “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.”
A piper played Flower of Scotland as the hearse arrived for the service at Manchester Cathedral and the crowds burst into applause as the coffin was carried inside.
Sir Rod Stewart sent a blue bouquet in the shape of the Scottish flag, with the message: “You are, and always will be, my footballing hero.”
Law was the youngest of seven children, born in Aberdeen on February 24, 1940. Raised by fisherman dad George and mum Robina in a council flat, he went barefoot until the age of 12 and got his first football boots at 16.
Despite his sight being affected by a squint, the youngster got his break in 1954 when he was spotted by Huddersfield scout Archie Beattie. Then manager Andy Beattie said at the time: “Never did I see a less likely football prospect. Weak, puny, bespectacled.”
Law would play with one eye shut just to see straight until the club paid for corrective surgery.
Manchester City signed him for a British record transfer fee of £55,000 in 1960. After a spell in Italy with Torino, Sir Matt took him to United in 1962. The team was rebuilding after the 1958 Munich air disaster.
He formed the famous United Trinity with George Best, who died in 2005, and Bobby Charlton, who passed away two years ago. In 1964 he became the only Scot to win the Ballon d’Or.
After 11 seasons in red Law returned to City. He scored a famous back-heel against United – but despite football myth, it wasn’t the goal which sent United down.
During an 18-year career Law was capped 55 times by his country. Law was survived by his wife Diana, sons Gary, Andrew, Robert and Iain and daughter Diana.
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