Manchester United stars past and present gathered at Manchester Cathedral ahead of the funeral service for club legend Denis Law as his funeral service took place on Tuesday afternoon.

Legendary Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson arrived to be among the mourners, with 500 people in attendance.

Former Man United greats Gary Neville, Bryan Robson, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes were among the others seen arriving ahead of the service, which began at 2pm local time.

Man United head coach Ruben Amorim arrived with members of the first team squad, including club captain Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire, while chief executive Omar Berrarda was also present.

Attendees also included former Scotland and Liverpool striker Kenny Dalglish, and Law’s former Manchester City team-mates Mike Summerbee and Joe Corrigan. 

Law died at the age of 84 in January, having been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia in August 2021.

He is United’s third-highest goal scorer of all time behind Wayne Rooney and Sir Bobby Charlton with 237 in 404 games, and Scotland’s joint top scorer with 30 goals from his 55 caps.

Law formed part of Man United’s Holy Trinity with Charlton and George Best, who helped lead the club to the European Cup in 1968.

George Best’s son Calum was among the guests at the service.

Speaking at the service, Law’s daughter Diana said her father had ‘rejoined the trinity’ and suggested their former manager Sir Matt Busby may have already started a team up in heaven.

Ferguson offered his own tribute to Law during the service, referencing Brazilian legend Pele’s opinion of the forward.

‘Trying to place Denis in the pantheon of all time greats is a challenge. But it is made easier by Pele,’ Ferguson said.

‘He was asked if there was a British player who could get in the Brazil team. He said Denis Law – which is a fantastic tribute.’

The Scot also highlighted Law’s passion for representing his nation, having scored 30 goals in 55 appearances for Scotland.

‘He loved Scotland and he loved beating England,’ Ferguson said.

‘He once lined up before a game against England. He loved Nobby Stiles and Nobby worshipped him. Nobby came bounding down the tunnel and wished Denis all the best.

‘Denis gave him a withering look and let off a volley of abuse Nobby never forgot.

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was not present, with Sir Dave Brailsford attending as an Ineos representative.

The Glazer family, Man United’s majority owners, were also absent as they were for Charlton’s funeral at the same venue in 2023.

It was said at the time that they stayed away from the service because they did not want to cause a distraction.

Members of the public gathered on the streets as Law’s coffin made its way to Old Trafford, where club staff were among those paying their respects in a final farewell to the forward who was known as ‘The King of the Stretford End’.

Law is the only person to be depicted in two statutes at the stadium, one on the Stretford End concourse, and the other as part of the Trinity statue.

The procession paused outside the Trinity Statue before departing Old Trafford on route to Manchester Cathedral. Flags had been lowered to half mast by the club in honour of Law. 

Man United have offered supporters the chance to leave messages and memories of Law via a Book of Condolence at the hospitality reception at Old Trafford.

The club have also invited fans to make donations to two charities included in the Order of Service at the funeral, the Alzheimer’s Society and the Denis Law Foundation.

Law won the European Cup, two English titles and the FA Cup in his 11 years at Old Trafford.

He was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 1964, with Charlton and Best following in 1966 and 1968 respectively.

Law is the only Scottish player to have received the honour. 

Born in Aberdeen, Law began his career with Huddersfield Town, had two spells at Manchester City and also played in Italy for Torino.

Man United described Law as one of their ‘greatest and move beloved players’ following his death last month. 

‘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 club said.

‘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.’

Law was the sixth member of the United squad that won the European Cup under Sir Matt Busby to suffer from dementia.

Charlton, who passed away in October 2023, Nobby Stiles, Tony Dunne, David Herd and Bill Foulkes were also diagnosed before their deaths.