Denis Law was one of the most exciting footballers I have ever seen. I saw him in action for the first time in TV highlights of an FA Cup match when he played for Huddersfield Town v West Ham United in 1960. He was mesmerising on the icy pitch and I wished he played for my team, Manchester United, which of course he later did.
He had a phenomenal range of skills, joining United as a mid-field “schemer”, swiftly becoming an out-and-out striker. I recall seeing him score a perfect hat-trick against Crystal Palace, left foot, right foot, forehead, each goal requiring different skills. He was electrifying, and fearless, especially in the air where he seemed to out-jump everyone and hang there as though on an invisible ladder.
He was expert at bicycle kicks, including one of my favourite United goals, against Nottingham Forest in 1967, when they were close rivals for the old First Division title. Indeed Forest had thrashed United 5-1 earlier in the season, and now there was a showdown at Old Trafford. With seconds to go it was 0-0, with Forest on top. Then United won a corner, taken by Paddy Crerand.
The ball swirled in the cool springtime air and looked too high. But then Denis, in an amazing feat of levitation, launched himself at the ball and lashed in a magnificent over-head volley, seconds before the final whistle.
