The drama primarily focuses on the relationship between assistant manager Jimmy Murphy (footballer) and the young player Bobby Charlton. The film begins in the autumn of 1956 as manager Matt Busby gives Charlton his first chance to play a match with Manchester United's first team, nicknamed the "Busby Babes" due to their unique pedigree as an almost entirely club-nurtured team of players, with the exception of a few slightly older players who have been purchased from other clubs.