Denis Law’s life-changing games

“I WON THE BALLON D’OR BUT PLAYING FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD WITH MY HERO, DI STEFANO, WAS AS BIG AN HONOUR”

Luton 2 Man City 6 January 28, 1961 FA Cup Fourth Round

“The rain was hammering down, but it didn’t bother me because I scored six goals! With 20 minutes to go, though, the pitch was soaked and the referee called the game off. The result and my six goals were wiped from the record. In the rearranged fixture, I scored but we lost 3-1. Sod’s Law!”

Leicester 1 Man United 3

May 25, 1963 FA Cup Final

“After the Munich air disaster in 1958, it was a hugely proud moment for us as players to win a trophy for United. I scored in a 3-1 win against Leicester, who started the match as favourites. I remember saying, ‘I’m so pleased to have won the FA Cup, and I’m not too bothered if we don’t win anything else now.’ What a stupid thing to say, eh?”

England 2 Rest of World 1

October 23, 1963 FA centenary match

“I won the Ballon d’or in 1964, but I’d say playing for a Rest of the World side at Wembley the previous year was just as big an honour in my career. England had Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves; the Rest of the World had Lev Yashin, Raymond Kopa, Eusebio and Josef Masopust. I played alongside my all-time hero, Alfredo Di Stefano.”

Man United 1 Real Madrid 0

April 24, 1968 European Cup semi-final

“Real Madrid were my favourite team to watch – they had so many exceptional players, like Paco Gento. To beat them at Old Trafford in the semi-final first leg was incredible. George Best was a man for the big occasion, and he scored the winner. Injury ruled me out of the away leg and the final, but I was so delighted for Matt Busby, my team-mates and the football club when we made history and won the European Cup against Benfica.”