Tributes paid at funeral of Man Utd legend Denis Law

Despite grey skies, the odd spot of rain and decidedly chilly temperatures, Mancunians - both of the red and light blue persuasion - came out in numbers to say a fond farewell to the great Denis Law.

Several thousand people flocked to Old Trafford to pay their respects as first the funeral cortege passed poignantly beneath the Trinity Statue then made the 20-minute journey to Manchester Cathedral.

As the 'King of the Stretford End' stopped by that now iconic statue of three United greats - Law, George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton - the crowds burst into refrained applause, the odd handkerchief required to wipe away a tear or two as a few pointed out that all three of those players have now passed away.

At the Cathedral, Law and his family were greeted by another large crowd and a lone piper. Law of course a United great, but also a giant of Scottish football.

The service itself was one of remembrance but also celebration. Celebration of a truly great footballer, but also a lovely person. Those who knew him best here in Manchester all remarked what a gentleman Law was.

Manchester Cathedral was filled with 500 people including team-mates like Brian Kidd and Alex Stepney, who told of Law's lightning-quick football brain and his goalscoring prowess while Peter Schmeichel and Bryan Robson spoke about following in his footsteps.

Members of the Class of 2025 attended, led by manager Ruben Amorim. Dressed smartly in United suits, Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire represented the players and flanked Wayne Rooney into the Cathedral. Ruud van Nistelrooy, another great United goal scorer along with Law and Rooney, came to pay his respects.

They heard readings and commemorations, the Hymn Jerusalem and Psalm 23; "The Lord is my shepherd" and a tribute from Sir Alex Ferguson.

At the end of the service, there was a lovely touch as the congregation heard a recording of the song 'Angel' - an unlikely duet with Law and Sir Rod Stewart.

The cathedral bells chimed 84 times, one for every year of Law's life, as the service filed out with the final words coming from Sir Alex Ferguson.

I asked him why Law was such a good player and such a legend for United but ended with a quick question and obvious statement: "A proud Scot?"

Sir Alex beamed with delight and a lovely laugh. "Oh yes, indeed very proud," he said. From one Scotland and United legend to another.