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More Than A Game

The Documentary: More Than A Game: Manchester United FC

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Manchester United FC

BBC World Service - The Documentary, More Than A Game, Manchester United FC

Nishat Ladha explores the history, identity and character of Manchester United FC

A look at the history and the passion behind Manchester United FC, ahead of their Champions League Final tie with FC Barcelona.

Having just won the Premier League title for the 19th time Manchester United have become the most successful football club in England, but they are desperate to improve their tally of three European Cups, when they face Barcelona at Wembley.

The will to win and be the best has been embedded in the club by its two legendary managers and by the Munich air disaster in 1958.

Nishat Ladha explores the history, identity and character of United focusing on the Sir Matt Busby era and the current record breaking run of manager Sir Alex Ferguson. 

Speaking with key figures pass and present we'll examine what has made Manchester United one the richest and most successful clubs in the world.

Plus, we'll look back at the huge impact of the Munich Air Crash in 1958, which claimed the lives of eight players and find out how the tragedy provided an unlikely springboard for European glory and popularity on a global scale.

The Documentary: More Than A Game

BBC World Service

A series looking at the Champions League finalists, Manchester United and Barcelona

A two-part series looking at the Champions League finalists, Manchester United and Barcelona.

Part One - Manchester United
Having just won the Premier League title for the 19th time Manchester United have become the most successful football club in England, but they are desperate to improve their tally of three European Cups, when they face Barcelona at Wembley.

The will to win and be the best has been embedded in the club by its two legendary managers and by the Munich air disaster in 1958.

Nishat Ladha explores the history, identity and character of United focusing on the Sir Matt Busby era and the current record breaking run of manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Speaking with key figures pass and present we'll examine what has made Manchester United one the richest and most successful clubs in the world.

Plus, we'll look back at the huge impact of the Munich Air Crash in 1958, which claimed the lives of eight players and find out how the tragedy provided an unlikely springboard for European glory and popularity on a global scale.

Part Two - FC Barcelona
Pascale Harte takes a look at why FC Barcelona is, as its slogan says, 'more than a club'. 

She meets what fans call 'the family', from footballing legend Johan Cruyff, the father of Barcelona's unique style of play, to the man who calls himself 'the mum' of Barcelona's youth academy, to find out how a history of oppression, and a sense of Catalan nationalism have combined to make FC Barcelona more than a club. 

And, how it's able to develop, and then keep hold of, some of the world's top footballing talent, like Argentinean striker Lionel Messi.

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