The United Way (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
The United Way is a 2021 documentary directed by Mat Hodgson, starring David Beckham, Éric Cantona and Shaun Ryder. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes and earned $97,111 worldwide on a $200,000 budget. Its Echo Score is 63/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 30m (90 min)
- Director
- Mat Hodgson
- Genre
- Documentary
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Ad Hoc Films
- Budget
- $200K
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The United Way About?
The premise of The United Way without spoilers.
This is the story of Manchester United, one of the most celebrated football clubs globally. From their early days to becoming a worldwide phenomenon with over 650 million fans, the film explores the club's journey. Featuring insights from legendary players like Charlton, Best, Cantona, Beckham, and Ronaldo, alongside rare archival footage, it celebrates the unifying power of a club cherished by people around the world.
The United Way Themes & Keywords
· 49 tags- manchester united
- old trafford
- football
- reference to manchester united
- manchester england
- reference to old trafford
- english football
- british football player
- footballer
- football player
- association football
- soccer
+37 more Show fewer
- football team
- football manager
- football club
- munich air disaster
- reference to munich air crash
- reference to matt busby
- reference to leeds united fc
- reference to george best
- reference to robert 'bobby' charlton
- reference to denis law
- reference to alex ferguson
- england
- mancunian
- manchester greater manchester england
- football hooliganism
- hooliganism
- football hooligan
- greater manchester
- fa cup
- fa cup final
- champions league
- uefa champions league final
- uefa champions league
- reference to the uefa champions league
- 1950s
- 1960s
- 1970s
- 1980s
- 1990s
- soccer game
- soccer player
- soccer coach
- soccer training
- sports training
- sport history
- sports documentary
- coach
The United Way Cast
David Beckham leads the cast, with Éric Cantona and Shaun Ryder. Directed by Mat Hodgson; 24 actors are credited in all.
- Director Mat Hodgson
- David Beckham as themselves
- Éric Cantona as themselves
- Shaun Ryder as themselves
- Ryan Giggs as themselves
Also Starring in The United Way
· 20 more- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Themselves
- Neil Kinnock Themselves
- Andy Cole Themselves
- Bryan Robson Themselves
- Peter Schmeichel Themselves
- Gordon Strachan Themselves
- Teddy Sheringham Themselves
- David May Themselves
- Alex Stepney Themselves
- Mark 'Bez' Berry Themselves
- Nicky Butt Themselves
- Andy Burnham Themselves
- Mark Hughes Themselves
- Steve Bruce Themselves
- Ron Atkinson Themselves
- Martin Edwards Themselves
Show all 24 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Arthur Albiston Themselves
- Tommy Docherty Themselves
- Sammy McIlroy Themselves
- Michael Heseltine Themselves
The United Way Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in sensory experience (78) and weakest in character & emotion (45).
The United Way Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, The United Way delivers a solid documentary experience that resonates most with Manchester United supporters while offering limited appeal to casual viewers. Critics acknowledge its nostalgic depth, and many users appreciate the engaging flow and strong visual elements. However, the film’s heavy focus on Eric Cantona and occasional pacing issues dilute its narrative cohesion. The mixed reception across art, character, and story components results in a moderately positive impression, placing the film in the mid‑range of quality.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 68
In terms of direction and cinematography, the documentary receives commendation for its striking visuals and well‑crafted musical accompaniment. Reviewers note the impressive camera work and cohesive editing that enhance the historical narrative. Yet, some critics point to uneven pacing and a script that at times feels rushed, tempering the overall craftsmanship.
- Character & Emotion 45
When evaluating character portrayal, the film centers heavily on Eric Cantona, whose flamboyant narration dominates the storytelling. While fans appreciate his charismatic presence, many viewers criticize the excessive focus, describing it as self‑indulgent and detracting from broader player perspectives. This imbalance reduces emotional depth and limits resonance for audiences seeking a more varied cast.
- Story & Flow 55
The documentary’s story structure attempts to span several decades of club history, linking the Busby and Ferguson eras. Viewers praise its ability to trace key moments and maintain an engaging flow for football enthusiasts. Conversely, some note that the narrative skims the surface, omits detailed analysis, and ends abruptly in 1999, resulting in a mixed sense of completeness.
- Sensory Experience 78
Sensory experience receives strong praise, with multiple reviewers highlighting vivid cinematography and a compelling soundtrack that underscore pivotal matches and eras. The visual style is described as immersive, reinforcing the emotional weight of historic events. Few criticisms arise, indicating that sound design and visual cohesion largely succeed in supporting the film’s intent.
- Rewatch Factor 70
The rewatch factor appears moderate; dedicated fans find the documentary enjoyable and informative, often citing nostalgia and the appeal of archival footage as reasons to revisit. However, the heavy Cantona focus and occasional narrative gaps may diminish repeat value for casual viewers. Overall, the film offers sufficient charm for repeat viewing within its target audience.
The United Way Box Office & Budget
The United Way grossed $97,111 worldwide on a $200,000 budget, 49% of what it cost.
Worldwide gross
$97.1K
49% of its budget back
- International
- $97.1K
- Budget
- $200K
The United Way Trailers & Videos
The trailer of The United Way.
The United Way Also Known As
6 alternative titles, including “The United Way with Eric Cantona” and “曼联之路”.
- Also known as
-
- The United Way with Eric Cantona
- 曼联之路
- Lịch Sử Manchester United
- United: Da Tragédia Ao Triunfo
- 유나이티드 웨이: 맨체스터의 심장
- Великий «Юнайтед»
Seen The United Way?
Movies Like The United Way
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Manchester United: Beyond the Promised Land, Football As Never Before and Busby.
The United Way FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of The United Way, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The United Way?
The United Way runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).
When was The United Way released?
The United Way was released on May 10, 2021.
Who directed The United Way?
The United Way was directed by Mat Hodgson.
More films by Mat Hodgson Who is in the cast of The United Way?
The United Way stars David Beckham, Éric Cantona and Shaun Ryder, among 24 credited actors.
How much did The United Way make at the box office?
The United Way grossed $97,111 worldwide on a budget of $200,000.
Does The United Way have a post-credit scene?
No. The United Way has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
