The world of football is in mourning following the death of Scottish football legend Denis Law at the age of 84.

Aberdeen-born Law won 55 caps for his country and starred for Manchester United, Manchester City and Torino in a glittering career which saw him become the only Scottish player to win the Ballon d’Or.

His death comes after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia in 2021.

Law began his career with Huddersfield Town and he went on to enjoy 11 years at Old Trafford, during which time he netted 237 goals in 404 appearances making him the third highest scorer in United’s history behind Wayne Rooney and Bobby Charlton.

His 46 goals in 1963-64 remains a club record and he was a key member of United’s title-winning squads in 1965 and 1967, forging an immaculate partnership with Bobby Charlton and George Best in the rebirth of the club by Sir Matt Busby following the Munich air disaster. He played in United’s run to the European Cup final in 1968 but missed the final through injury.

Despite the passage of time he remains Scotland’s joint top scorer of all time with 30 goals.

A family statement said: “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.”

Manchester United said: “He will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players. The ultimate goalscorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’ family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”

Law was appointed CBE in 2016 for services to football and charity and received honorary degrees from Aberdeen, St Andrews and Robert Gordon universities. He has had statues erected in his honour at Old Trafford and Aberdeen, and received the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen.

Celtic hand Pleat, 80, scouting role

Celtic have made a surprise addition to their scouting staff in the form of 80-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur’s manager David Pleat, who stepped down from a consultancy role at the London club last summer.

Head of football operations at Parkhead, Paul Tisdale, made the move for Pleat to bolster Brendan Rodgers’ scouting team which stood at six before the veteran’s appointment on what is understood to be an initial 12-month agreement.

Still highly respected in the game, Pleat will be watching games in England, including the lower leagues.

This has been a rich source of supply for Celtic. Matt O’Riley signed from MK Dons for £1.5 million in 2022 and last August was sold to Brighton & Hove Albion for £25m.

Pleat spent eight years in charge of Luton Town from 1978 to 1986, famously running excitedly across the pitch when they avoided relegation on the final day of the season in 1983.

He joined Spurs in 1986 and took them to the FA Cup final in his only full season before stepping down in 1987. He had subsequent spells at Sheffield Wednesday before returning to Tottenham for two spells in interim charge and then becoming manager again for the 2003-04 season.

He is credited with helping the careers of Jermain Defoe, who had a spell at Rangers, Dele Alli, Jan Vertonghen and Ben Davies.