Mourners including Eamonn Holmes arrive for funeral of Ballon d’Or-winning Man Utd star Denis Law

MOURNERS, including Eamonn Holmes, have arrived for the funeral of Manchester United legend Denis Law. The last surviving member of the Red Devils' holy trinity passed away on January 17 aged 84 after a battle with dementia. The former striker's cortege is due to leave the club's Old Trafford stadium at 1.10pm before making its way to Manchester Cathedral for the funeral service. TV host and United fan Holmes is among those who have already arrived at the church.

Law's heartbroken family said in a statement last month: "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.".

Ballon d'Or winner Law started his career at Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and played for Torino in Italy. But it was at Old Trafford from 1962-73 where he made his name scoring 237 goals in 404 games. He won two titles with United and the FA Cup and helped them to the 1968 European Cup Final where they beat Benfica although missed out on the game due to injury. Sir Bobby Charlton, Law and George Best were integral as the Red Devils become the first English side to win the European Cup.

Man U said in a statement: "Everyone at Manchester United 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. "Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.".

Best, Law and Charlton together scored 665 goals in 1,636 games for the club. And each won the Ballon d'Or between 1964-68 — with Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 the only United player to do it since. Huddersfield Town, where Denis began his career, paid tribute, saying: "All at Huddersfield Town are profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Denis Law. "A legend of not only our great Club, but an immortal of the sport as a whole, he will be deeply missed and his memory cherished by us all.

"Our collective thoughts are with Denis’ family and loved ones at this time. "Once a Terrier, always a Terrier". The footballing legend scored 30 goals in 55 games for Scotland, with the team paying tribute in a post on X that read: "A true great. "We will not see his likes again.". The United trio of David Beckham, Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were among figures from around the world of football to pay their respects to the Scot.

Becks wrote on his Instagram page: "Tonight we lost a true gentleman of the game. Our heart goes out to Denis's family. "Our hearts are heavy tonight. A legend on the field but the perfect gentleman off.". United's top all-time goalscorer Wayne Rooney called the star a "legend" in his tribute. Gary Neville, who spent his entire career at Man U, said: “Rest in peace Denis. A great footballer and a great man.

"It’s a privilege and an honour to have spent time in your company - The King of the Stretford End.”. Denis' ex-United teammate Brian Kidd added: "He was slight, with the heart of a lion. "An unbelievable finisher, he scored every type of goal. "He said to me: 'If you're ever wide, don’t look up, put the cross in early. If I’m not there it’s my fault'. He was usually there. "Sir Matt [Busby] loved him. We all did. He was the King of the Stretford End.".

Former Man Utd captain Bryan Robson penned his own tribute, saying: "We have lost one of football’s giants both as a player and a gentleman. "It’s incredibly sad, he was more than just a fantastic footballer, he was a fantastic man.". His great friend George Best, who died in 2005, had once described the forward as: “Up there with the all-time greats. Electric. "As a bloke and as a pal he’s different class.”.

Bruno Fernandes, the United captain, simply wrote “Legend” on his Instagram story. United legend, and now Leicester City manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy said on Instagram: “R.I.P Denis.”. Aberdeen, the team Denis supported, said: "One of Scotland's greatest ever players, his legacy will live on in the north east.". Manchester City, where Law spent two separate stints in his glittering playing career, posted: “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.”. Other clubs and fans have also paid tributes on social media to the star following his death. Leeds United posted on X, saying: "The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Denis’ family and friends at this time. "Rest in peace, Denis". Liverpool paid tribute, saying: "Sending condolences from all of us at LFC.