The Japan Times - Former Man Utd striker and 'football giant' Denis Law dies aged 84

Law's death was confirmed "with a heavy heart" by his family who said "he fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace".

Law scored a total of 237 goals in 404 appearances during an 11-year spell at Old Trafford until 1973, which places him third behind Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton on United's all-time list.

Rooney paid tribute on X on Friday night by posting: "Legend. Thoughts with all Denis' family and friends."

Law played 55 times for Scotland after making his debut at just 18 in 1958 and he remains his country's joint all-time leading scorer with 30 goals alongside Kenny Dalglish.

He won the Ballon d'Or in 1964 - the only Scottish player to do so.

During his time at United, Law won the first division title in 1965 and 1967.

However, a cartilage injury forced him to miss the famous 4-1 thrashing of Benfica in the European Cup final at Wembley -- a triumph that made United the first English winners of the trophy.

Manchester United said the club was mourning the loss of "the king of the Stretford End" - the stand at Old Trafford where there is a statue of Law.

"He will always be celebrated as one of the club's greatest and most beloved players," United added.

"The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.

"Our deepest condolences go out to Denis' family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more."

Law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia in 2021.

"We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently," his family said.

"We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you."

- 'Fantastic man' -

Former United and England captain Bryan Robson, who worked with Law in an ambassadorial role at Old Trafford, described the Scot as a "fantastic man".

"We have lost one of football's giants both as a player and a gentleman. It's incredibly sad," Robson wrote in a column in the Daily Mail.

"Denis was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man. So generous with his time and everything delivered with that great sense of humour of his."

Former Scotland international Joe Jordan said Law was a "proper icon".

"Denis was a special player and to lose someone like him, I think will affect an awful lot of Manchester United fans," Jordan told the BBC.

"A proper icon for his ability on the field to score goals but he had a special edge to him, not just as a player but as a person. He was a special player."

In an 18-year career, Law also played for Huddersfield, Manchester City (twice) and Torino.

City, the current English champions, said the "whole of Manchester" was mourning.

In a reply to United's X post breaking the news, they said: "The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you."

K.Hashimoto--JT