Source: Daily_Mail
Denis Law: 'I was inconsolable. I did not want to score the goal that sent United down'
In the run-up to what promises to be an explosive derby, Sportsmail's Ian Ladyman spoke to Manchester football legend Denis Law about City and United issues past and present. [LNB]Having played for both Manchester teams and the man who scored agoal for City against United on the day the Old Trafford club wererelegated from the old First Division in 1974, Law remains one of themost famous players in derby history. [LNB]THE LAW ON: HIS FAMOUS BACK-HEEL GOAL IN 1974[LNB]I was inconsolable. I didn't want it to happen. How long did the feeling last? How long ago was the game? Thirty-odd years. There is your answer. [LNB]The subject always crops up. It's one of those things. It's always there and I am always remembered for it. That's a shame.[LNB] Mixed emotions: Denis Law's backheel sends former team United down[LNB]I played with all those guys. They were pals. I didn't want them down. It was the last thing in the world that I wanted. It didn't feel good, no. We weren't friends on the field. We would kick each other. But once the whistle went and it was over, things changed.[LNB]There was a bar in those days so we would have a cup of tea or coffee or a beer and then we might meet up later. It was just normal in those days. I was a bit different as I had been at both clubs and I knew guys who were still playing. [LNB]I knew the trainers and the guys behind the scenes. As the years have gone on it has changed, I guess.[LNB]THE LAW ON: THE IMPORTANCE OF SATURDAY'S CLASH[LNB]It's the biggest derby for many years. City want to get in the top four and Manchester United are still going for the league. I can't remember when it was so important to both teams.[LNB]It's nice to see Manchester City doing well. It's good for the town for both teams to be up there. [LNB]It's not easy to buy players and make them gel, no matter how much money you have. You need the blend. Sometimes it doesn't work. It seems to be working at City right now.[LNB]THE LAW ON: CITY'S BID FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE[LNB]I have mixed feelings about the Champions League. It's odd that you get four teams qualifying from a country and they haven't even won the league. [LNB]How can you call it the Champions League? You just wonder what that is all about. [LNB]Has Europe taken over British football? Maybe it has. But I have to admit that if I was playing at City now I would be desperate to get into that top four. It's almost like winning the championship, isn't it?[LNB]That's what it must feel like. But you know as well as I do that the Champions League should be for the winners of the league title. It's not right.[LNB]THE LAW ON: CARLOS TEVEZ[LNB]He is an excellent player, a real trier who never gives up. I do not know why he didn't stay at Old Trafford, but he is one of the reasons why Manchester City have done so well this season. [LNB]He has had a tremendous influence on City's results. [LNB]I didn't get any hassle when I switched clubs. Maybe it's a wee bit different if you are foreign. It may make it harder.[LNB]But he has been successful at Manchester City, so that makes it easier for him.[LNB] Flying high: Carlos Tevez has been a revelation since moving across Manchester to City from United, much like Law did in 1973[LNB]THE LAW ON: ROONEY AND BERBATOV[LNB]Wayne Rooney is up there with the best. I think he will go on to score more goals than anybody at Manchester United ever as long as he keeps healthy and away from injuries. He will be a true great for years to come.[LNB]Certainly, Rooney could have played in the United team I was in. Any player of that ability and skill will fit in to any team, good players just do. It's very hard to cover for players of that calibre. [LNB]But yes, you would think Rooney would be covered, particularly with the size of squads these days. You just have to look at the goal stats and you see that Wayne Rooney is way above the rest of them at United.[LNB]When I played and George (Best) and Bobby (Charlton) played, if I wasn't playing well which was often and George wasn't playing well which was rare then Bobby would take care of things. And vice-versa. We were lucky that we had three of us. [LNB]At the moment it seems to be Rooney and then a bit of Berbatov. The midfield players get a few goals but, yes, United are reliant a lot on Rooney to do it.[LNB]I'm surprised Dimitar Berbatov has not performed as he did at Tottenham. Joining a club like Manchester United and playing in front of 76,000 people, that is what the top players should want. I don't understand why he hasn't performed.[LNB] World's apart: Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov are two very different strikers[LNB]THE LAW ON: SIR ALEX FERGUSON[LNB]He will be 100 before he packs in...you lot have another 30 years of him. You press guys should look forward to that. It's his life.[LNB]When he does finish he will be recognised as the best there has ever been, the greatest manager ever. [LNB]There have been some great managers down the years, men like Herbert Chapman, Jock Stein, Bill Shankly, Sir Matt (Busby), Bill Nicholson and Brian Clough. The competition is tough, but Alex will be at the top. [LNB]He is never satisfied. Just look at how much he has won, but he wants more. And look at how his teams play football. It's not just about getting results with him.[LNB]THE LAW ON: THE GREEN AND GOLD SCARF WORN BY HIS STATUE OUTSIDE OLD TRAFFORD[LNB]Did they do that? The people who have made those scarves have made a few quid, haven't they?[LNB]I didn't understand it, then someone explained to me what green and gold means. I am not into that side of it. But it seems to suit some people. [LNB]The people I played with and for always knew what football meant to people. We always knew we had to go out and play for the supporters.[LNB]I have always known what football means. People pay good money to watch. It's the same now. Denis Law was speaking at the Betfair Fans' Manchester Derby where supporters of City and United took each other on in a skills contest. For all the action, football news and exclusive video content tune in to Betfair's football website www.betfairfootball.com the home of football rivalry. Betfair where fans bet against each other.[LNB]
