Based on the book by David Pearce, The Damned United follows the career of Brian Clough. Believed by many to be one of the greatest managers ever in the English Premier League, Clough, played by the ever so talented Michael Sheen, is a complex character; highly arrogant but also plagued with self-doubt. The Damned United is an illustration of the best of British, bringing together a highly regarded scriptwriter, with a good director and a brilliant cast.
Brian Clough began his career as a professional player before an injury forced an early change to managing. It wasn’t until Clough united with his working partner and assistant manager Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall) that the potential of both men was unlocked. The film flits between two significant times in Clough’s life; his managerial role at Second Division Derby in the late 60s and his time at First Division Champions, Leeds United in the mid 70s (This was pre Premier Division).
