by “It’s the end of a generation,” says Ying-Hoi Soo, a Manchester United supporter since the 1960s. He came to lay flowers at the United Trinity statue after the death of its last member, Denis Law.
The bronze is again surrounded by scarves, shirts and flowers forming a crescent semi-circle at the base. Law is in the middle, hand raised, with Bobby Charlton and George Best on either side. The passing of the final third of “United Trinity” is a reminder of what has already been lost to fans. “What a team paradise we have now,” read a message written on a t-shirt. They were an iconic trio, leading United to landmark glories in the 1960s with Law’s death, almost 61 years to the day since they all first started together. It was the last poignant goodbye.
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Every United household had a favorite back then. They loved all three of them, but one of them would always be placed on the pedestal. United supporters were brought up on Charlton, Best and Law for decades after their retirement, as youngsters learned stories of their exploits as trophies were piled up under Sir Matt Busby. All three won the Ballon d’Or, but Law was the pioneer, anointed two years before Charlton and four before Best. Sometimes the other two are emphasized more in these parts, but Law’s accomplishments are just as significant. He arrived in 1963 from Turin and the prolific striker helped spark a new era of success at the club, a far cry from the current malaise. He would stay for a decade before moving to City, for which he was forgiven.
“He was my dad’s hero and one of the first players I knew as a kid,” says Richard Redman, a United season ticket holder from Rochdale. “My parents have a signed photo of him in their kitchen – along with the rest of the Trinity – and he has been an emblem of my upbringing at Manchester United over the years. His contribution to our club transcends generations, many fans of my age idolizing him even though they’ve never seen him play He’s the one people my dad’s age talk about the most – it’s been that way for as long as I can remember. same thing about him as me about Eric Cantona – probably even more so.
Once Law hung up his boots, he remained in the North West, living in Cheshire and regularly participating in social and charitable engagements. Thousands of United and City fans crossed his path throughout his retirement. “The first time I met him was at an ex-players event, and he was such a nice person, and everyone says so,” says Ying-Hoi, who was closely witnessed Law’s heyday when he won the 1964 Ballon d’Or. “By that time he had retired from football, but compared to many former footballers he had no sense of entitlement. I was nervous about talking to him but he completely disarmed me as soon as I approached him. That’s what really struck me.
Inside the ground, the banner behind one goal reads ‘Denis Law The King Of The Stretford End’, a stand which houses a second statue of the legend. The plethora of screens in the halls broadcast his greatest hits in red, reminding everyone of his clinical finish. The man was Old Trafford royalty, a legendary figure who was often in the stands until he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He loved being among the fans, those who made the fortnightly pilgrimage to see their heroes when Trinity was at its peak. On the way to the stadium, there are constant reminders of Law. Fittingly, he has a mural outside The Trafford pub next to the other king, Eric Cantona, and pictures of his goals plastered there.
“I can still see him scoring an overhead kick in my mind,” says Ying-Hoi. “He was the best striker of the era – perhaps alongside Jimmy Greaves. I was very lucky to follow United when we had him, George Best and Bobby Charlton. Seeing them all go is very, very sad.
The 73,758 spectators rose to their feet to applaud Law, who scored 237 goals in 404 games for United, after a wreath was laid pitchside by his close friend Sir Alex Ferguson, who described him as “the best Scottish player of all time. . Three remaining members of the 1968 European Cup winning team, Alex Stepney, Paddy Crerand and Brian Kidd, were present on the pitch.
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They were broadcast onto the pitch to the subtle sound of Flower of Scotland. Law missed the 1968 Wembley final due to a knee injury which affected much of his career. Ferguson wore a black tie in honor of his hero, another Scottish striker he idolized even though there was only a year between them, and the players wore the required armbands.
Ferguson was not alone in idolizing the man who was given a royal nickname, an honor not even bestowed on Charlton or Best. In this regard, only Cantona can claim parity with Law. And as the poem read before kick-off says, Denis Law is “still the king of the Stretford End”.
