Manchester United’s troubled season went from bad to worse as they suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars in their first friendly of the post-season tour in Kuala Lumpur.
The Red Devils were visiting Malaysia for the first time in 16 years, kicking off a lucrative post-season tour across Asia, a move that was met with widespread skepticism from supporters when first announced. Unfortunately, the match only added fuel to that criticism, with United falling to a side made up of players from across the ASEAN Football Federation, including internationals and regional league talent from 12 countries.
Despite the All-Stars only playing together once before in 2014, they managed to deliver a memorable upset. Malaysia international Sergio Aguero captained the side, but it was Myanmar’s Maung Maung Lwin who proved decisive, breaking the offside trap and finishing past Tom Heaton in the second half.
While the result carries no competitive significance, it adds to the gloom surrounding Ruben Amorim’s squad, who just finished their worst domestic league campaign in 51 years and missed out on European football for the first time in over a decade after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham.
Alejandro Garnacho made what may be his final appearance for United, coming off the bench in the second half as Amorim rotated his entire starting XI. Garnacho, recently dropped from the squad for the Premier League finale against Aston Villa after a public fallout with Amorim in Bilbao, brought energy but couldn’t turn the tide. He did create a chance shortly after coming on, dancing past a defender and setting up Chido Obi, only for the goal to be incorrectly ruled offside. Later, his long-range effort flew high into the stands.
One of the few bright spots for United came late in the match, when 17-year-old Jim Thwaites made a remarkable last-ditch tackle to prevent a second goal. As Australian Adrian Segecic closed in, Thwaites tracked back and timed his challenge perfectly, showing the kind of fight that was missing from many of his more experienced teammates, a moment that surely caught Amorim’s eye.
The match was a major letdown for the estimated 70,000 fans who packed Bukit Jalil Stadium, hoping to see their team live for the first time since 2009, when Michael Owen made his debut. But the sweltering 31°C heat and 75% humidity seemed to sap United of energy. They were outplayed in the first half and, despite an improved showing after the break, struggled to create clear chances. Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes both sent efforts off target, while Obi saw multiple shots blocked.
United’s tour continues with a match against the Hong Kong national team on Friday. Additionally, three players will head to India for promotional duties as part of the club’s commercial activities. The post-season tour is expected to earn the club around £10 million, with a return to pre-season action set for July, including stops in Sweden and a full tour of the United States.
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