Humiliated in the Heat: Manchester United Booed Off After ASEAN All-Stars Defeat

Manchester United’s post-season misery deepened under the humid skies of Kuala Lumpur, as a mixed side led by new head coach Ruben Amorim slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat against the ASEAN All-Stars — a team assembled from across Southeast Asia and marshalled by South Korean coach Kim Sang-sik.

Three days after a bitterly disappointing end to their 2024/25 campaign, the Red Devils were dealt yet another embarrassment — this time not by Premier League elites or European contenders, but by a spirited collection of underdogs from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and beyond.

Despite fielding a starting eleven including senior figures like Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Casemiro, and Rasmus Højlund, United looked lethargic and disinterested from the outset. As local fans filled the Bukit Jalil National Stadium with anticipation, United’s display offered little to match the occasion. British outlet The Standard likened their performance to a group “already mentally on holiday”.

The match-winner came in the 71st minute when Myanmar international Maung Maung Lwin rifled a right-footed effort into the top corner following a crisp diagonal pass from Australia’s Adrian Segecic. It was a goal that sealed not just the game, but United’s fate for the evening — booed by the thousands who had paid to witness a spectacle, only to be served a slow, unimaginative affair by their heroes in red.

A Tactical Masterclass From Kim Sang-sik

In stark contrast, Kim Sang-sik — fresh from guiding Vietnam to the 2024 AFF Championship title — orchestrated a disciplined and well-drilled unit. Lining up in a compact 3-4-3 formation, the ASEAN All-Stars frustrated United throughout, with Thai goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai marshalling a backline that refused to break, despite the introduction of Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and Alejandro Garnacho late on.

Speaking after the final whistle, Kim was beaming: “Beating Manchester United is an unforgettable experience. The players had only two days to train, but they played as if they’ve been together for years.” He praised the standout performances of Vietnam’s Nguyễn Hai Long — who terrorised United’s defence early on — and midfielder Sergio Aguero (Malaysia), who captained the side with composure and grit.

Hai Long Steals the Show

If there was one player who captured the hearts of the crowd, it was Vietnam’s 24-year-old Hai Long. The dynamic winger peppered Onana’s goal with four efforts in the opening 15 minutes, and his relentless directness earned admiration from Malaysian fans — and ridicule for United. Social media was abuzz with sarcastic comparisons, with users quipping that Hai Long deserved a contract at Old Trafford more than some of those wearing the shirt.

A Mirror to a Miserable Season

United’s only real spark came from youngster Kobbie Mainoo, who forced a fine save from Patiwat with a low drive and later saw a volley blocked heroically on the line by Harrison Delbridge. But that was as good as it got. For all their possession, United failed to break down a team that, on paper, should have been outmatched.

Amorim was left facing boos from all corners of the stadium. At full-time, sections of the Malaysian crowd voiced their discontent, echoing a sentiment that has followed the club across continents. “I always feel guilty,” admitted the Portuguese coach, “and the boos — they are part of the game. The fans have been with us all season, and they deserve better.”

The club’s global brand may remain strong, but nights like these raise uncomfortable questions about the gap between reputation and reality.

From Champions League Nights to ASEAN Woes

For Kim Sang-sik and his All-Stars, the evening ended in jubilation, lifting a symbolic trophy and posing for pictures alongside their stunned Premier League counterparts. For United, it was another chapter in a season to forget — a reminder that even 10,000km from Old Trafford, scrutiny never sleeps.

United now travel to Hong Kong for the final match of their Asian tour on May 30. Amorim will be hoping for more than just a better result — he’ll need a performance that can convince fans and critics alike that the summer rebuild is more than just a PR tour.

MATCH DETAILS

ASEAN All-Stars starting XI: Khammai; Kan, Aguinaldo, Delbridge, Lambert; Adamson, Aguero, H.L Nguyen, Reyes; Coulibaly, Dukuly.

Substitutes: Manh, V.V Nguyen, Pedro, Davis, Lwin, H.D Nguyen, Rudianto, Bounkong, Segecic, Kanitsribumphen, Azmi, Nadzli, Ra’op, Fandi, Risaldi.

Scorer: Lwin 71.

United: Onana (Heaton 46); Munro (Fredricson 46), Maguire (c) (Armer 30 (Evans 46)), Heaven (Kukonki 46); Dalot (Kamason 30 (Amad 46)), Casemiro (Kone 30 (Collyer 46)), Ugarte (Fernandes 46), Dorgu (Amass 46); Moorhouse (Lacey 30 (T. Fletcher 46 (Thwaites 67)), Mainoo (Garnacho 46); Hojlund (Obi 46).

Substitute not used: Bayindir.

Booked: Kukonki.

Attendance: 72,520.

Next Fixture:
May 30 – Manchester United vs Hong Kong XI
Location: Hong Kong Stadium