Manchester United great Denis Law collects CBE

Law received a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) medal -- one rank below a knighthood -- from William, the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II and second in line to the British throne.

Former Scotland striker Law, who was being honoured for his services to football and charity, said it had been a pleasure to briefly talk about football with William, the president of England's Football Association and a fan of Premier League basement club Aston Villa.

"The conversation was a bit short because they (Aston Villa) are bottom of the league and things are not going well but the thing is, when you're a supporter you will support your team wherever they are," said Law after the ceremony. "So I was glad that he supports them, because that's his team."

Aberdeen-born Law, 76, scored 237 goals for United and was a member of the Old Trafford 'Holy Trinity' that also featured George Best and Bobby Charlton which lit up English football in the 1960s. 

"I just think this is the type of honour that goes to other people. You do not expect to get something like this. It's fantastic," said Law, who played under two outstanding Scottish managers in Bill Shankly, then making his name at Huddersfield, and United's Matt Busby during his time in English football.

Busby in particular was known for promoting players from within his own club's youth system and Law said it was "lovely" to see the likes of teenage striker Marcus Rashford, who recently scored four goals in his first two senior United appearances, making his way in the game.

"It's wonderful that young players get that opportunity," said Law. "For Rashford to come into the side, a local boy, it's really fantastic. Let's hope that things go well for him."