Legendary Man United manager Sir Matt Busby celebrated in new film from makers of Class of 92

A new film from the team behind The Class of ’92 will shine a spotlight on legendary Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby. 

Simply called Busby and due to be released in November, the documentary is a celebration of the man whose impact on the beautiful game continues 25 years after his death in 1994.

Described as “the definitive story of the founding father of modern Manchester United,” it traces Busby’s life from his humble beginnings in a small Scottish mining village, to twice rebuilding a football club – the first time ravaged by war and then by the tragedy of the Munich Air Disaster when 23 people lost their lives, and Busby himself was left with life-threatening injuries.

During his 25 years in charge of Manchester United, Busby led the club to domestic dominance and European glory.

Known for championing young players, he developed football legends, including George Best and Bobby Charlton, one of the original Busby Babes, and transformed Manchester United from the second-best team in town into one of the world’s most famous football clubs. 

Although he was born in Scotland, Busby’s heart was forever tied to the city – he once said ‘Manchester is my heaven’. As a result, the film not only charts how Busby changed the shape of United, and the game, but the city too.

The documentary is produced by Fulwell 73, the company behind the 2013 football documentary The Class of ’92, which focused on the six players who came through the United academy and went on to win everything in the game, as well as In The Hands of the Gods, I Am Bolt, Sunderland ‘Til I Die, and The Late Late Show in America. The show’s host James Corden is also one of the Fulwell 73 partners. 

“Sir Matt Busby is one of the most inspirational and influential figures in sport,” says Fulwell partner, Leo Pearlman. “As passionate fans of great stories and iconic characters, to be able to pay homage to one of our sporting heroes and add a prequel to The Class of 92 is a true privilege. Sir Matt Busby is a legend in his own right, and it is an honour to be able to recognise his legacy and tell his inspiring story through this film.”

The film is directed by Leo’s brother, Joe, who helmed Bros: After The Screaming Stops, the documentary about the eighties singing duo, which was nominated for a Bafta earlier this year, and Mo Farah: Race of his Life.  

Set to combine previously unseen archive footage and interviews with those who knew Busby best, including the remaining Busby Babes, members of the 1968 European Cup winning team and the Class of ’92, it’ll undoubtedly be a must-watch for United supporters.

But if it’s anything like their previous films, it should appeal to more than just the team’s die-hard fans. 

Busby is released in November. Find out more here.