Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FERGIE: THE MOVIE
Fergie turned down appearance in Busby film because he is busy with own project
SIR ALEX FERGUSON did not appear in a new movie charting the life of Sir Matt Busby – because he is making a film of his own life.
Former Manchester United boss Ferguson is understood to have declined an invitation to appear in Busby (below) because of work on his own project.
The team behind Busby contacted
Ferguson about being involved, but was told he was working on a cinematic version of his own career, so would not be able to contribute. Ferguson, who stepped down in 2013 after 26-and-a-half years in charge, is a surprising omission from the film, given the close bond he formed with Busby when he took over at Old Trafford in 1986.
Busby helped Ferguson (above) in the latter’s difficult first few years at the Red Devils helm, offering advice and guidance on managing the world’s biggest football club, and became a confidante for his fellow Scot.
Ferguson even followed the ‘Busby Babes’ philosophy of his most decorated predecessor, putting his faith in youth players from the United academy, including Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, just as Sir Matt had done four decades earlier, with the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton and Duncan Edwards.
Work on the Fergie film has been under way for two years and it is understood it will be directed by his son, Jason, who will benefit from unrestricted access to his father and inner circle.
Fergie made a 51-minute documentary, entitled Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets Of Success, back in 2015, which focused on his management and leadership principles.
But the new project will be the first cinematic interpretation of his remarkable and illustrious career, charting his rise from humble beginnings in
Glasgow to the pinnacle of world sport.