David Tennant, Dougray Scott Lead BBC's 'United' Cast

David Tennant and Dougray Scott have signed up to lead a glittering cast in United, directed by James Strong and backed by the BBC.

The made-for-television drama is based on the true story of soccer team Manchester United's legendary "Busby Babes", the youngest side ever to win the Football League and the 1958 Munich air crash that claimed eight of the their number.

Tennant will star as coach Jimmy Murphy, alongside Jack O'Connell as survivor Bobby Charlton and Sam Claflin as star player Duncan Edwards. Scott will play Manchester United manager Matt Busby, the source of the team's nickname. The film draws on first-hand interviews with the survivors and their families to tell the story of a team and community overcoming terrible tragedy.

The Munich Air Crash killed 22 of the 44 passengers onboard, including supporters, journalists and embassy staff.

Written by Chris Chibnall and directed by Strong, the film is produced by Julia Stannard and exec produced by World Productions' Simon Heath and Polly Hill for the BBC.

The project was commissioned by Ben Stephenson, controller, BBC drama commissioning and Janice Hadlow, controller, BBC Two.

It is backed by Lip Sync Productions, Content Films, BBC North and the BBC. It will be sold as a theatrical movie by Content International overseas.