Why are Man Utd wearing black armbands against Brighton?
MANCHESTER UNITED are wearing black armbands for their Premier League match against Brighton.
United sadly lost one of their most famous sons on Friday night, as Denis Law died after a battle with dementia.
Law’s family confirmed his passing in a statement released via the club.
It read: “Manchester United is deeply saddened to share the following statement on behalf of the Law family.
“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.”
Tributes poured in for the striker, who scored 237 goals for United and helped them to two league titles, the FA Cup and the 1968 European Cup.
Law, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1964, also played for Man City and famously helped United get relegated with an incredible back-heel goal late in the season.
Why are Man Utd wearing black armbands against Brighton?
Man Utd are wearing black armbands in tribute to Denis Law – who was known as The King of the Stretford End.
It is a traditional sign of mourning and respect for someone who has passed away.
United will also hold a minute’s applause at Old Trafford in honour of Law, who was part of the Holy Trinity along with George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Tributes to Denis Law
Mourners began arriving at Old Trafford late on Friday night to lay flowers, scarves and leave messages for Law.
The Holy Trinity have a statue outside the ground with people gathering there to pay their respects and more arriving throughout Saturday and ahead of kick off on Sunday.
One message, written on a football shirt, contained a famous quote from journalist Hugh McIlvanney.
It read: “If you were to send a man out to score a goal to save your life, send for the Lawman.”
More flowers were laid at another Law statue in his hometown of Aberdeen.
Former United players and others from the football world also sent messages on social media.
Former team-mate Brian Kidd wrote: “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 added: “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.”
David Beckham wrote on Instagram: “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.”
Gary Neville, who played 400 times for United during a two-decade career, wrote: “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.”
United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney took to X, adding: “Legend. Thoughts with all Denis’ family and friends.”
Rod Stewart, who was great friends with Law, posted a picture of the pair of them together and wrote: “Farewell my hero – Rest in Peace”.
Is Dennis Bergkamp named after Denis Law?
Yes, this may sound like a myth because of the different spelling but it is true.
Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp is named after Denis Law – his father Wim being a keen amateur footballer and huge fan of the United star.
The different spelling isn’t even down to a misspelling, rather that a local registrar forced the Bergkamps to add an extra ‘n’.
They refused to recognise the name as they felt it was too similar to Denise without it.