Didier Drogba must stop the theatrics or he won't get the recognition his talent deserves, says Denis Law

Manchester United legend Denis Law has told Didier Drogba to stand up and be counted as one of the best strikers in the world.

The Lawman, still revered by Old Trafford fans as “The King”, really did lay down the law to the controversial Chelsea forward ahead of United’s visit to Stamford Bridge.

He warned Drogba that he will never gain the reputation that his talent deserves unless he cuts out the theatrics that have seen him labelled a footballing con-man.

Law, a former European Footballer of the Year who scored 237 goals in 404 appearances for United, said: “Drogba has made a reputation for throwing himself on the floor at the slightest physical contact. But he really doesn’t need to do that because he is such a terrific player.

“Have you seen the sheer size and strength of the man? He is terrifying. He can rattle even the toughest centre-half.

“But he’s got to realise that he won’t get the recognition that his talent deserves until he stops the other antics. He’s got to stop and think about how he wants to be remembered.”

Law added: “To be fair to Drogba he has changed a wee bit over the last 12 months or so and I think he’s a better player for it. But there are still times when I can’t understand why referees and the people who run the game let him get away with it.

“It’s a shame because when he’s concentrating on the best parts of his game he is up there with the best in the world.”

A statue of Law has been erected on the concourse of the Stretford End as a tribute to a career that brought him two league titles and the FA Cup.

United fans loved Law’s bravado and the bravery, and it’s that kind of devilment that they want to see from £30.75m Dimitar Berbatov – another striker who divides opinion.

Law said: “Maybe the pressure of the fee has got to Berbatov a little bit because I speak to a lot of United fans and it is clear the jury is still out on him.

“They remember players like Van Nistelrooy and Cantona and they think that Berbatov should be the same kind of player because he cost £30m.

“My attitude is that it doesn’t matter if a player costs £1m or £30m, if he is an improvement on what you’ve got.

“I can’t really understand why some people get so angry when he doesn’t run 30 yards to close down a full-back.

“That wasn’t why Sir Alex bought him, and he never did that at Spurs. He is a laconic kind of guy and I think the key is getting him the ball in front of goal and letting him do what he does best.”

Get a £25  free bet - Bet on Chelsea vs Man Utd and we'll refund your bet if you lose