‘United’ drama on BBC Two

April 19, 2011   ·   0 Comments

BBC Two are to screen a drama based on the the true story of Manchester United’s legendary Busby Babes, the youngest side ever to win the Football League, and the 1958 Munich air crash that claimed eight of their number.

‘United’ draws on first-hand interviews with the survivors and their families to tell the inspirational story of a team and community overcoming terrible tragedy.

Set in 1956, the country has found its first heart-throbs in Manchester United’s Busby Babes, a talented team of young players who are the pride of Manchester, in Chris Chibnall’s authentic and moving account of this heartbreaking football tragedy.

On the fringes is 19-year-old Bobby Charlton. Having trained at the club for three years, his dream is to play alongside his heroes. Guided by inspirational coach Jimmy Murphy, Bobby’s hard work pays off when boss Matt Busby gives him his first-team debut. He scores two goals, despite an ankle injury.

By early 1958, United are top of the league and have qualified for the European Cup quarter-finals in Belgrade. Forced by the Football League to be back in Manchester 24 hours before their next League fixture, Busby has to charter a special flight. Arctic weather closes in as the team travel back via Munich and after aborting take-off twice, a third attempt is made. The plane never leaves the ground, crashing into a fuel dump.  Eight of the team die as a result of their injuries, along with backroom staff, journalists and two of the plane’s crew.

Back in Manchester, Murphy breaks the news to anxious relatives before flying to Munich to visit the injured team in hospital. Riddled with guilt about the decision to charter the plane, Busby remains in a critical condition. Facing the possibility that Manchester United might close, Jimmy pieces together a team to honour the club’s remaining fixtures. While Manchester mourns, Bobby returns home unsure whether to play again. With Jimmy’s gentle words and inspired by a chance kick-about, he decides to return to Old Trafford to watch Murphy’s patched-up side.

Led by Murphy, with Bobby back in the side and Busby’s return to the dressing room, United reach the FA Cup Final at Wembley. Though the final is lost, the spirit of the club lives on.

Bobby Charlton is played by Jack O’Connell, Jimmy Murphy by David Tennant, Matt Busby by Dougray Scott, Duncan Edwards by Sam Claflin, Harry Gregg by Ben Peel, Eddie Coleman by Thomas Howes and Mark Jones by Philip Hill-Pearson.

United is on BBC Two on Sunday, 24th April at 9pm.

Tags: BBC Two, Bobby Charlton, Busby Babes, Manchester United