9
Manchester United:
1962 - 1973
The King of the Stretford End
Returning to England from Italy in 1962, Denis was signed by Manchester United manager Matt Busby.
The United Trinity
He quickly formed a formidable partnership with Bobby Charlton and later George Best. The three players became known as ‘The United Trinity’, together turning the club into a dominant force in European football.
A Record-Breaking Feat
In his second season, Denis scored an astonishing 46 goals – a club record that remains unbroken to this day. This extraordinary feat earned him the prestigious Ballon d’Or, cementing his status as one of the game’s greatest talents. He is still the only Scottish player to ever win the award.
Leading from the Front
In 1965, Denis led United to the league title, finishing as both the club’s and the league’s top scorer. He captained the team for three seasons, guiding them through one of their most successful periods, including their historic European Cup win in 1968, although he did not play in the final due to injury.
Greatest-Ever
Denis spent 11 years at the club, leaving an indelible mark as one of Manchester United’s greatest-ever players. He was nicknamed ‘The King’ and ‘The Lawman’ by the fans who occupied the Stretford End at Old Trafford stadium.
Denis’s United Statistics
• 2 statues at Old Trafford: one in the Stretford End stand and one alongside his teammates, Charlton and Best – as part of ‘The United Trinity’.
• 1 Ballon d’Or
• 18 hat-tricks, a club record including some of the quickest in club history.
• 28 goals in Division One (1964–65), leading United to the title as top scorer.
• 46 goals in a single season (1963–64), a club record that still stands to this day.
• 237 goals in 404 games, one of Manchester United’s all-time top scorers and the best goals-per-game ratio of any Manchester United player.
Manchester United FA Cup memorabilia from 1963
Denis noted as part of an all time Manchester United select
Denis in a Manchester United pre-match line-up photo
Signed Manchester United photo
Newspaper article on Denis when he returned to the UK, joining Manchester United
PHYSICAL TRAIL
Stop 9:
Keep going! You’re almost there! Up the stairs, past the Printfield Hut, and stop 9 will be on the left. HINT: Look out for the giant Man United mural!
