THE HOME OF DRAMA?
The last time Manchester United tried to milk a few extra million quid, last summer, the club embarked on an ill-timed and ill-thought out post-season tour of Asia, which quickly turned into a PR farce. The 1-0 defeat against the “Asean All Stars”, a scratch, invitational side that had never previously played together, didn’t help but the tour was plagued by their fatigued, uninterested players looking utterly fed up, some of them sulking, yawning and even sticking their middle fingers up at fans who had come out to watch them play. Around £8m-£10m was estimated to have been generated, but at what cost?
Football Daily is delighted to report that United could well be at it again. But rather than a post-season tour to alter people’s perceptions, the club have reportedly agreed a deal with Lionsgate to create a dramatised retelling of the club’s history, which the Athletic claims is similar in style to The Crown, a show that famously did wonders for people’s perceptions of the royal family. The British TV writer and director (and United fan) Jed Mercurio has apparently been approached for his doubtlessly impartial take, while “United will receive a guaranteed sum in the low multi-million pounds”, which should at least make the summer contract renewal negotiations a little easier.
For all the chiding and the snarking around of this potential TV series, there are plenty of moments to revisit, some clearly darker than others. The Munich disaster and the determination and recovery that Sir Matt Busby and co showed in the aftermath remains one of football’s most remarkable and inspiring tales. In lighter moments, it would be interesting to know exactly what The Hairdryer actually looked like. What was said in the United dressing room following their relegation in 1974, Denis Law’s goal for Manchester City and all. We might find out. Plus, Football Daily has always wanted to see a dramatic reenactment of the the Battle of the Buffet.
Who might play who? A proud and celebrated Scot who has already played Logan Roy – the Succession character who built and ran a global empire top to bottom (and hired his own kids) – Brian Cox would likely make a decent stab at Alex Ferguson. That’s not to say that the other Brian Cox, University of Manchester-educated physicist, should be completely ignored for a breakout role, especially as the former Oldham season ticket holder comes across as a little shy but still comfortable around bigger stars. He could play Denis Irwin, who joined United from the Latics in 1990.
With his Northern Irish roots and love for Manchester United, James Nesbitt would be nailed on for George Best. Eric Cantona would obviously play himself, although Steven Seagal would be a good backup for the unpredictable and mercurial Frenchman, particularly given his martial arts background. Gary Oldman has the gravitas to make a fine Busby and while Brooklyn Beckham recently stated he did not “want a life shaped by image, press or manipulation”, could the YouTube chef now be tempted to take his talents to the big screen to give us a new betrayal portrayal of his father’s career? And Frank Leboeuf, no stranger to the silver screen, would surely be perfect for Fabien Barthez, especially as the former Chelsea defender would probably look like he had never played in goal before.
For the starring role of Sir Bobby Charlton, Timothée Chalamet is just a combover away from playing the United and England great as a young man. He clearly knows ball, can actually play (having previously been pictured at a tournament with Joe Gomez as a kid) and has already expressed his love for the English north-east accent. Given that Ralph Fiennes was once an English patient, has won almost everything there is to win and has a famous brother who has dabbled in international management, he would be an excellent candidate to assume the role of Charlton in his later years, should the budget stretch of course. And who are we kidding? Football Daily would definitely watch it. Whether the series is another PR shambles for United or actually entertaining, we will be there, no matter what. Why watch the actual footage of the 1968 European Cup final when you can get an American production company to do it for you?
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I am playing in the most difficult league in the world. It isn’t the Premier League. It’s the Championship. There are very big clubs, all of them with a lot of investment. Let’s say it’s a bloodbath” – fresh from scoring Southampton’s winner against Sheffield United, Léo Scienza talks about his circuitous journey from Brazil to St Mary’s and hard times in the Swedish fifth tier.
Re: yesterday’s Football Daily. Absolutely loved your article on German words in international football (about the only field German football excels in). But in typical German fashion, allow me to point out the following aspects: ‘Raumdeuter’ translates as ‘space interpreter’ or, more loosely, ‘space finder’, with Pascal Groß of Brighton a typical example. And although ‘Kacktor’ has been used by footballers for ages, it was football journalist and entertainer Arnd Zeigler, who introduced the competition on his show ‘Zeigler’s wonderful World of Football’ and there is even merchandise advertising the ‘Kacktor des Monats’ (crappy goal of the month) on his website” – Holger H Arntz.
As a Dutch citizen living near the German border, I’m in the lucky position that I can watch Zeigler’s wunderbare Welt des Fußballs. It’s a programme packed with funny stories and the love for this great game is quite clear. Not just the stories about the professionals, but also the amateurs on the bad pitches make it a must-see every Sunday evening” – Gerben van Sark.
A lovely selection of Kacktors yesterday. If I may just add this wonderful first goal for QPR from Alfie Lloyd, the Mutter of all goalmouth scrambles, a last-minute equaliser with the keeper up in the box as well. And if we are talking about own goals as being Kacktors, this is still the Uberkacktor” – David Rowland.
If you have any, please send letters to the.boss@theguardian.com. Today’s winner of our letter o’ the day is … Holger H Arntz, who lands some hot Football Weekly merch. Terms and conditions for our competitions are here.
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