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The United Way (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

The United Way (2021) movie poster

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.

worldwide gross
$97.1K
Echo Score
63
budget
$200K
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The United Way (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Director
Mat Hodgson
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
Budget
$200K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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
  • 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
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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in The United Way

· 20 more
Show all 24 cast members
Ratings

The United Way Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 63/100, strongest in sensory experience (78) and weakest in character & emotion (45).

63 /100

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.

Box office

The United Way Box Office & Budget

The United Way grossed $97,111 worldwide on a $200,000 budget, 49% of what it cost.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$97.1K

49% of its budget back

International
$97.1K
Budget
$200K
Videos

The United Way Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The United Way.

The United Way - Official Trailer
Details

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?

FAQ

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.

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