Alex Ferguson pays emotional tribute to Man Utd legend Denis Law as he joins Rooney and Neville at funeral

SIR Alex Ferguson has paid an emotional tribute to Manchester United legend Denis Law - as he was joined by Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney at his funeral.

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 left the club's Old Trafford stadium at around 1.10pm before making its way to Manchester Cathedral for the funeral service.

His coffin was then carried inside, with his daughter Diane Law among those seen arriving.

Ex-United defender and Sky Sports pundit Neville, as well as former teammates Wayne Rooney, Nicky Butt, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Paul Scholes and Peter Schmeichel, and their treble-winning manager Sir Alex, are all in attendance.

David Beckham's dad Ted has also been snapped outside the church, as has ex-footballer and TV personality Dion Dublin and ex-Scotland internationals Eddie Gray and Kenny Dalglish.

Sir Alex has been described as "visibly emotional" as he stood at the lectern to read a tribute during the service, according to a reporter in attendance.

'WITH A HEAVY HEART'

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.

The footballing legend scored 30 goals in 55 games for Scotland.

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."