WAYNE Rooney has paid tribute to Denis Law after the former Scotland and Manchester United striker died aged 84.
Law won two league titles with United and was a member of their European Cup-winning side under Sir Matt Busby in 1968 when they became the first English club to lift the trophy.
A short family statement read: “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.

“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.”

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 Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton on United’s all-time list.
“Legend,” Rooney replied to Manchester United’s tweet announcing the news. “Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.”

Former United and England captain Bryan Robson, who worked with Law as an ambassador for the club, described Law as a giant of the sport.
“We have lost one of football’s giants both as a player and a gentleman. It’s incredibly sad,” Robson said 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.
“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.

“No one could represent what Manchester United stood for better than him. Full of flair on the pitch and a gentleman off it.”
That sentiment was also echoed by David Beckham: “Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game… Our love goes out to Denis’s family,” Beckham posted in a story on Instagram.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off…”

Known as ‘The King’, Law defied his small physique to terrorise defenders with his fearless approach and electric pace during an 18-year playing career, which also included spells at first club Huddersfield, Manchester City (twice) and Torino.

Law’s transfers from Huddersfield to City in 1960 and later moves to Italian club Torino (1961) and to Manchester United in 1962 were all British records at the time.
City posted on X under United’s announcement: “The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time.