The King — Manchester United's Scottish legend and European Footballer of the Year 1964, scorer of 237 goals for the club.
Denis Law was born in Aberdeen in 1940 and joined Huddersfield Town at 15 (1956–1960) — recommended by Bill Shankly. Manchester City paid £55,000 in 1960 before Torino signed him in 1961. Manchester United paid a then British record £115,000 to bring him back from Italy in 1962. He spent 11 seasons at Old Trafford (1962–1973), scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances — the third-highest in club history. He won the Ballon d'Or in 1964 — one of only three British players to win the award. He earned 55 Scotland caps scoring 30 goals — a national record that stood until 2022. His top speed of 30.2 km/h and sharp movement in tight spaces made him the most dangerous striker in English football during his peak. He scored 328 career goals and 167 assists in 731 appearances. He returned to Manchester City (1973–74) and, in a twist of fate, scored a backheel goal that helped relegate Manchester United — though he refused to celebrate. He won 2 First Division titles and the FA Cup. Alongside Charlton and Best he formed the most celebrated attacking trio in United's history.
Being the only Scottish player to win the Ballon d'Or
How They Played
Clinical finisher with excellent heading ability and acrobatic style
Lasting Impact
Considered one of Scotland's greatest ever players and Manchester United legend
Career Honours
- First Division 1965, 1967 (Manchester United)
- European Cup 1968 (Man United – did not play final)
- FA Cup 1963
- Ballon d'Or 1964
- Scottish Football Hall of Fame 2004
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huddersfield Town | 1956–1960 | 81 | 171 | #10 |
| Manchester City | 1960–1961 | 173 | 92 | #10 |
| Manchester United | 1963–1973 | 153 | 75 | #10 |
| Torino | 1961–1963 | 27 | 10 | — |
 Scotland | — | 55 | 30 | — |