There were tears, hugs and reiterations of the iconic pose of United legend Denis Law as fans gathered to pay their respects to their hero today (January 18).

Law passed away aged 84 on Friday (January 17), and tributes have poured out for the King of the Stretford End, who was immortalised with two statues after making 404 appearances for United.

Since the news broke, fans had travelled from home and away to pay tribute to their ‘hero’ at the ‘Holy Trinity’ statue, where he stands alongside George Best and Bobby Charlton. Placing flowers down alongside his son, 73-year-old Bob Taylor shed a tear.

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“I’ve been watching them since I was six-years-old. I remember when he joined the team, I was 11. He was my hero,” he told the Manchester Evening News.

Bob had met Denis twice, and at home kept the two pictures he had with him side by side.

“He was wearing dark glasses at the time. I asked him for a picture with my dad, and he said ‘yes of course’, and they have a picture together from when my dad retired,” son Andrew Taylor said.

“I grew up hearing stories about the Holy Trinity. He encapsulated United in the 60s, the swagger,, the pride, the passion. He was my dad’s hero and I grew up watching my dad watching his hero.”

“He was a brilliant player, it’s a sad day indeed. I remember watching him every week, back then it was only televised once a week,” Bob said.

“It’s a sad day for the blue side too,” Andrew added.

Daniel Barnes, from Dukinfield, was another who placed flowers down. He had travelled with his family to pay their respects.

“It’s a sad day, he’s the last one of the Holy Trinity. He’s a legend. It’s a sad day. I just wanted to show my respect,” he said.

Brian Halliday had travelled from Belfast. He arrived on Thursday to watch United take on Southampton, as well as their fixture against Brighton on Sunday.

“I was too young to see him play but it’s the end of an era,” he said.

“He was the last one of that era, so it’s a shame. Aside from the football he always came across as a nice guy, a good guy.

“I’m a Belfast boy so it was always Georgey Best for me but Law came across as a really good guy.”

Walter Brett, 73, also remembered watching ‘The King’ as a young boy.

“When football was black and white, he was the colour. He was a breath of fresh air. He was not just the King of Stretford End - he was the King,” he said.

“He had the charisma, the class, the style. I watched him as a young boy. He was my hero. He brought the energy he brought the colour to football.

“He invented the celebratory point, rather than the polite celebration, he brought that energy. He was brilliant to watch.”

United fan Richard Gilbert and wife Lisa Gilbert, a Burnley fan, also came to pay their respects.

“He was the people’s player,” Richard said.

“My dad watched him play, I never saw him. But he was a brilliant player. It’s the end of an era.”

As many placed down flowers and scarves, a book of condolences opened within the stadium, allowing for many to pay their respects more privately.

A statement released on behalf of the Law family on Friday evening 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."

A statement from the club on Friday said: "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 goalscorer, 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."

Law's 46-goal haul in 1963-64 remains a club record and he was an integral member of the title-winning squads in 1965 and 1967. He played in United's run to the European Cup final in 1968 but was injured for the final and watched it on television from his hospital bed.