Perspective Of That Controversial Movie, "United"

The movie United, which is about the Munich Air Disaster that claimed some of the most promising Manchester United players' live way to early, was always bound to do one of two things, if not both.

Sir Bobby Was Front & Centered Throughout

The producers wanted to not only create awareness to those tragic events that transpired on, or after February 6, 1958, to the millions of people that were not around to experience it, but they also stir up a bit controversy by offending the ones that it personally effected.

Whenever emotion is involved there is no escaping the hard reality that there was always going to be a venomous backlash from some of the families that endured the ultimate pain of losing a loved one, and for that the creators of the film should be ashamed of themselves.

With movies made for television, as this one was for the British Broadcasting Company, people need to remember that this was meant to get people to watch, but this topic, especially to United supporters, is one that never sits easy.

One thing that people need to know before watching this is that this movie was portrayed through somebody else's eyes, not somebody who was actually part of the Busby Babes - and when that happens a lot of the facts and takes on personalities were turned and twisted.

Nobody, not even the producers, can honestly admit that their touch of perception was not present, because the main problem with this film was the depiction of Sir Matt Busby.

It has been very well documented that the BBC is notorious for trying to create animosity between themselves and a manager for Manchester United. The difference lies is that Sir Alex Ferguson was able to stick up and defend the honor of his family, but Sir Matt Busby perished 17 years before this film was televised, so his family had to defend his legacy.

Lacked

Time Stood Still On That Numbing Day

Another disheartening reality about this movie was the fact that it should have been about all of The Busby Babes, instead of just the most notable ones, like Sir Bobby Charlton, Duncan Edwards, Tommy Taylor and Mark Jones.

Eight players - Geoff Bent, Roger Byrne, Eddie Colman, Edwards, Jones, David Pegg, Taylor, and Liam 'Billy' Whelan, who all lost their lives from the events that disastrous day, along with the other 15 people deserved to have their stories told, as well.

This is nothing against Charlton, who became one of - if not the - greatest-ever United player, but it became more about how his career unfolded than that of the ones who perished.

Beneficial
Despite those negative aspects, there were some definitely positive, moving pieces in this film.

The role of Jimmy Murphy, for example, was done quite well, because without his desire, energy and ability, there is no chance that you would be reading this article today. He, like every other assistant manager, has to love his job and he did what many people thought was impossible, raise Manchester United from the ashes of the Munich tragedy.

Because he was overshadowed by Busby and some of the great players at the club during his time, many people often forget how influential Murphy was at United.

The fact that a movie, controversial or not, was done about this juncture of the history of Manchester United can only be beneficial to their own supporters and the less ignorant fans of rival clubs. Because of the self belief that it will make them sound cool to their fellow parts of the Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester City fans will sing about Munich and refer to the club as "Man U," but it is imperative to educate our own to prevent unschooled abuse towards the club that they support - and this movie should give that basis for that.

In closing, there was a line from this movie that every Manchester United fan should remember and hold near and dear to their heart: "It does not matter who the players are, it's about the club!"