Only a King

Manchester United v Manchester City:
League match: 27th April 1974:

With the last rites already penned how apt if it was delivered by one of their own? The scene was set for the return of a king. In the blue shirt of deadly local rivals City, former Manchester United legend Denis law produced a typical back-heel from eight yards to break Old Trafford hearts and confirm relegation into the Second division.

With the home side desperately praying for salvation from elsewhere, a little after 4-35 on a tempestuous Mancunian afternoon, Law pounced in inimitable style to end any uncertainty regarding United's fate. For as the ball flashed past a horrified Alex Stepney, those who once bowed in reverence at Denis Law's feet watched in disbelief as his jubilant Maine Road team mates rushed towards him.

But Law was in no mood for celebration. As Colin Bell playfully slapped him on the cheek in a vain attempt to coax a smile, he wiped away tears from his eye with a sleeve and headed towards the touchline. No more.

It was a goal that signalled the end of an era for an entire generation of Manchester United supporters. From European champions to relegation in just six years, this footballing empire thought to be carved from the finest marble crumbled like sand. Many were held responsible for this fall from grace, one so cruelly dramatic as to appear criminally negligent.

But not Denis Law.

Only a king could ever be deemed worthy of such an accolade. From the stars to Leyton Orient away, United were down.