Regular readers of Empire will know that one or two writers – particularly ones whose surnames rhyme with "Chewitt" – will slip football references into their copy from time to time. Or a lot. So here's something directly related to the sport: a documentary about veteran Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is on the way.
The still-untitled film should boast plenty of close access to the man, his family and colleagues, as the director is his son, Jason Ferguson, who has been in development for two years.
It'll chart Ferguson senior's early years growing up in the shipbuilding district of Govan in Glasgow, via the Theatre of Dreams at Old Trafford where he achieved unparalleled success on the football pitch, to the ICU ward at Salford Royal hospital where he was recently treated for a near-fatal brain haemorrhage.
In his 26-year career with United, Ferguson shepherded teams to 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues.
His son has recorded more than 60 hours of audio interviews, and the main shoot on the film kicks off in October, with backing from DNA Films and Searching For Sugar Man production company Passion Pictures. "I have been approached many times over the years to make a film on my life but did not feel comfortable until this point," Alex Ferguson says in a statement. "When the team behind this project was presented to me, and after we spent time discussing their thoughts and approach on what the film could be, I felt confident that I was in good hands. The process so far has been natural and enjoyable and I look forward to making the best film we can." No release date is on the books for this one just yet.
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