Manchester United

Law - the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d'Or - scored a stunning 237 goals in 404 appearances for Man United during his professional career, placing him third on their all-time goalscorers list.

He also represented Huddersfield Town, Manchester City and Torino, in addition to earning 55 caps for Scotland, while the former forward was sold for a British record fee three times during a glittering career.

"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," read a statement from the Law family via Man United.

"We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently. We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made the difference. Thank you."

Man United legend Law has died at the age of 84

Former Man United players Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes are among those to have paid tribute to Law, while ex-Red Devils captain Bryan Robson branded Law 'a fantastic footballer and a fantastic man'.

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

"He would always be in my greatest ever Manchester United XI. He was a player so many of his peers idolised and with good reason, that iconic image of him with his sleeves pulled down and the one arm salute after scoring.

"I was a little nervous on first meeting him when I joined the club, as with Sir Bobby Charlton. But I had even more respect for Denis once I met him. He was just so warm in his welcome and I had an instant regard for the man he was, and the personality he had."

Scholes shared a tribute on his Instagram story before posting "RIP The King", while Rooney also commented on the announcement.

Gary Neville, another former Man United captain, branded Law "a great footballer and a great man".

Law won two Football League First Division titles during his time at Old Trafford, while he also lifted the FA Cup, European Cup and two Charity Shields.

Man United players will wear black armbands during their clash with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday as a mark of respect, while a minute's silence will also be held before the Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

Written by

Matt Law