David Tennant: His 6 Best TV Roles

6. Jimmy Murphy €“ United

David Tennant United The problem with the sporting drama is that it's very hard to make non-sports fans care about a drama that involves even a modicum of the stuff. While some people do indeed love seeing their favourite athletes portrayed on-screen, there's also a vast legion of folk who'll instantly shut off as soon as they hear the word 'football' or 'Manchester United' spouted by a character. This was the challenge United faced. Concerning itself with Manchester United's 1958 Munich disaster €“ when the majority of the club's (arguably) most gifted team lost their lives in a plane crash €“ it was heart-rendingly dramatic in the most awfully human way and transcended the it's-just-a-game criticism levelled at its predecessors. We saw the action both before and after the tragedy, through the eyes of Jack O'Connell's Bobby Charlton and David Tennant's Jimmy Murphy. It was Murphy who proved the bedrock during the team's time of crisis €“with manager Matt Busby in the hospital, it fell to his assistant to bring in a whole new team so the club could fulfil its playing obligations, as well as providing support for the shell-shocked survivors such as Charlton. I might be going into hyperbole, but I'd honestly say Tennant was perfect in the role. Once more showing his chameleonic ability with accents by taking on Murphy's Welsh brogue, he brought a grim determination to the part, exuding heartfelt sympathy and admiration as the man with his finger in the dam, the one who had to keep it together because there was no-one else. It's an impressive role, and Tennant brings an extraordinary man to life with extraordinary assurance.
Contributor
Contributor

Durham University graduate and qualified sports journalist. Very good at sitting down and watching things. Can multi-task this with playing computer games. Football Manager addict who has taken Shrewsbury Town to the summit of the Premier League. You can follow me at @Ed_OwenUK, if you like ramblings about Newcastle United and A Place in the Sun. If you don't, I don't know what I can do for you.