A former Manchester United and Northern Ireland international has slammed the decision by the club’s owners not to attend the funeral of club legend Denis Law later today.
Sammy McIlroy – who made over 340 appearances for the club and played alongside Law – criticised United’s majority owners the Glazer family during an interview with BBC Radio Ulster.
He was speaking ahead of Law’s funeral after the former striker died at the age of 84 last month.
Thousands of football fans and the great and good of Manchester United are expected to turn out for the funeral, with the former striker’s cortege leaving Old Trafford at around 1pm before making its way to Manchester Cathedral for the service.
The Scottish international was once part of the club’s famed “United Trinity”, alongside Northern Irish great George Best and English World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton.
Denis Law
There is not however expected to be any member of the Glazer family at the service nor a representative in their place.
Speaking about that, McIlroy described it as “ridiculous”.
“A player that has played so long at Manchester United not to be respected by the owners of the football club I think it is absolutely ridiculous I really do.
“They are not very popular owners anyway but not to send anyone in respect of a fantastic man and player for the football club I just think it is totally out of order.”
Speaking about the service, McIlroy added: “It is going to be a special occasion no doubt about that.
“People will be coming in their thousands to pay respects to a great man and a fantastic footballer.
“Denis will be well remembered there is no doubt about that.
“I think players from other teams who played maybe with Denis internationally or at club level against him I think will come and pay their respects because he was that well thought of as a man and as a player.”