Believe

In 1984 Salford, Georgie Gallagher lives with his widowed mother, Erica. His passion for football is challenged by Erica’s wish to have Georgie attend the prestigious Lancashire Grammar School For Boys, run by the strict and scholarly Dr Farquar.

During an open day at the school, Georgie spots a leaflet for a regional Manchester Junior Football Cup tournament. Determined to enter and beat the team of school bullies, Georgie snatches a wallet from a stranger to raise the £20 entrance fee. The stranger happens to be an elderly Sir Matt Busby, and after tracking him down along with the help of his friend Bob, they learn that Georgie is an unusually talented footballer. Matt and Georgie reach an agreement whereby Matt will coach Georgie’s football team in exchange for silence over his theft.

Still needing the money to enter the football tournament, Georgie attempts to break into Dr Farquar’s house in order to steal back the tuition fee that Erica had been paying to ensure Georgie passes his entrance exam to the grammar school. He is caught and arrested, and banned from playing football as punishment.

The team finds an article in the paper about Sir Matt Busby and realizes that their coach is the famous manager of the legendary Manchester United team. Feeling betrayed by his team and Sir Matt Busby for not revealing his true identity before, Georgie quits the team and refuses to play in the final. Georgie is deeply hurt, feeling that all adults undoubtedly end up lying to him.

On the day of Sir Matt Busby’s 75th birthday, the team gears up to play the final, while Georgie takes his exam with hopes of passing and receiving his scholarship. Georgie urges Erica to attend the final to cheer on the team. Without their leader, the team is down by 2 goals. In a moment of grace, Dr Farquar interrupts the game with his beloved brass band, while Erica rushes to get Georgie to play the second half of the match. Georgie confides in his mother and says he wants to win the cup in honour of his late father. In the final moments of the game Georgie scores with a direct free kick to win the cup.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 01:17