Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In: When is the documentary released on Amazon Prime Video? First look at the emotional film

Sir Alex Ferguson, one of the greatest football managers of all time, looks back at his life and incredible career for the new documentary film Never Give In.

Amazon Prime Video released the full official trailer (above), which explains the life-threatening moment that inspired the documentary film. 

Made by his son Jason, DNA and Passion Pictures, Never Give In finds the legendary Manchester United boss reflecting on his early years and how he used those memories to inspire his teams and become one of the all-time great managers.

Filmed as Ferguson recovered from a life-threatening brain haemorrhage and fearing that he may lose his memories, the movie captures the vulnerable side of the man who dominated British football for three decades.

Here is everything you need to know about Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In...

Watch the first-look clip

The first footage from the film shows Ferguson explaining how he used his personal upbringing to motivate his players and the importance of where you come from.

“It is a fact of life that where we come from is important. You come out with an identity. I come from Govan… I’m a Govan boy,” says Ferguson.

When is Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In released in the UK?

The film will be in UK cinemas from May 27.

It will be available on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and Ireland from May 29.

What is the film about?

“Losing my memory was my biggest fear when I suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2018,” said Ferguson.

“In the making of this film I was able to revisit the most important moments of my life, good and bad. Having my son Jason direct this film has ensured an honest and intimate account.”

The film features Ferguson recounting the stories behind his most influential defeats, trophies and players. From his own successful playing career and prolific goal-scoring at Scottish clubs, including Rangers, to his move into management and leading Aberdeen to the European Cup Winners’ Cup and then finally his move south to Old Trafford.

After a testing few years at United, he turned the club’s fortunes around and led them to over two decades of consistent domestic and European success.

This is a film about the bond between a man and his family, an exploration of leadership and mental toughness and a celebration of one of football’s greatest careers.

Who is interviewed for the film?

Made by Ferguson’s son Jason and featuring interviews with his other two sons and wife of 54 years Cathy, the film takes an intimate look at the football legend’s most special memories.

From the world of football, the film interviews those who knew the man best, including Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, Gordon Strachan and Archie Knox.

Who made Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In?

The movie is made by DNA and Passion Pictures production In Association with Ventureland produced by Bafta Award-winner, Andrew Macdonald (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later), Academy Award-winner, John Battsek (One Day in September, Searching for Sugar Man) and Bafta Award-nominee, Allon Reich (The Last King of Scotland, Never Let Me Go).

First reviews

The first reviews have been full of acclaim for the film.

Screen Daily said: “This documentary astutely captures the sense of a vulnerable champion looking back at a past he has dominated at the very point where he realises it may all be taken away from him.”

Meanwhile, Robbie Collin of The Daily Telegraph described the film as “grippingly honest and gravelly with emotion”.

And Cinevue said: “Never Give In takes a frank and all-encompassing look at the life, on and off the pitch, of a footballing great. Turning the hairdryer down to a gentle breeze, the steely, blue-eyed gaze, with a knowing glint that could just as easily terrify as inspire, remains the same.”

Watch Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In at UK cinemas from May 27.

It will be available on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and Ireland from May 29.