Manchester United’s dreadful season has reached an unprecedented low when they suffered a shocking 1–0 defeat from the ASEAN All-Stars in a preseason friendly in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Coach Ruben Amorim called on his team to “use every minute to improve,” however, the Red Devils cinched to have not followed the plan as they appeared disjointed on the pitch in the game that was played under stifling conditions in Kuala Lumpur.
The All-Stars, a team composed of athletes from 11 countries in the region, caught the eye of the Premier League team thanks to a single brilliant act. Australian midfielder Adrian Segecic connected with Myanmar’s Maung Maung Lwin, who smartly used his speed to get around United’s backline and then slotted the ball home for the winner through the keeper’s legs. Lwin, who had previously scored only twice in the Thai League season, punished United for their disorganization.
United were making massive changes all over the field with Amorim pulling out everyone of the starting team at half time. It was not enough for the Red Devils, however, as the trio of Fernandes, Diallo, and Garnacho could not break an impregnable defense of their opponents.
Despite the presence of Anwar Ibrahim, the Malaysian PM, who was watching the game while wearing a United tracksuit, the hosts were not able to score. On Friday, Amorim’s side will confront the Hong Kong national team after losing to the ASEAN All-Stars, and hopefully, they can achieve a win-making launch of their 2023 campaign after a blighted season.
