Manchester United are in talks with US entertainment platform Disney over a multi-million dollar deal to create documentaries about the club.
According to sources close to the discussions, speaking anonymously due to their confidential nature, the production will focus on the club’s era of success under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, a 26-year period during which United won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles. , two Champions League trophies and five FA Cups.
The club and streaming service Disney+ are in talks over a documentary about a proposal that would include substantial interview time with Ferguson, who is now 82 years old. United would also provide access to the club’s archive footage as well as the views of club ambassadors, such as former captain Bryan Robson and iconic goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, who could help convey the secrets of United’s success under Ferguson. Ferguson and his former players are expected to formally accept the project, which is still in its conceptual stage. United are expected to retain editorial oversight of any project, as has been the case for many documentaries involving European football clubs.
A deal has yet to be finalized as United continue to wait for better terms. The current proposal is in the seven-figure range, and Disney’s offer made this year is lower than the terms the company initially offered to United when it first engaged on the subject a few years ago. United are looking to diversify their revenue streams as they seek to remain competitive at the top of the Premier League, while clubs strive to stay within Financial Fair Play regulations and embark on a stadium project ambitious.
Amazon’s Prime Video streaming service recently released the trailer for a documentary focusing specifically on Manchester United’s treble in the 1998-99 season, marking the 25th anniversary of the triumph this spring. This three-part documentary series, which will include access to Ferguson and members of the club’s famous Class of 92 generation, such as David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, was not negotiated with the club and United n does not intend to benefit directly financially.
Streaming service Disney+ has already captured the imagination of football fans around the world, particularly in the United States, with its hit series Welcome To Wrexham, which charts the Welsh club’s rise in English football under from its Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob. McElhenney.
Disney’s conversations with United have not extended to a proposal for live access during a season and the club does not currently have plans for a more contemporary film that would allow supporters a glimpse behind the curtain. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have already signed up with Amazon for documentary series All or Nothing, while Liverpool are filming a documentary to follow the final months of Jurgen Klopp’s reign as manager.
When approached by AthleticismManchester United declined to comment and Disney did not respond.
(Top photo: Tom Purslow/Manchester United via Getty Images)