The match took place just three days after United wrapped up a disappointing season. With the club’s appeal having faded in recent years, many sections of the stadium remained empty 30 minutes before kick-off, partly due to strict security checks.

Nguyen Hai Long (L) races with defender Reece Munro for the ball during the ASEAN All-stars' 1-0 win over Manchester United at Bukit Jalil Stadium, Malaysia on May 28, 2025.

United manager Ruben Amorim fielded a squad with regular starters from the past season. The starting XI included Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, and Patrick Dorgu in defense, with Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Rasmus Hojlund in midfield.

However, as noted by The Standard, the visitors looked uninspired, seemingly eager to "go home early and rest." The hot and humid weather in Malaysia only added to their fatigue after a season full of failures.

In contrast, the ASEAN All-Stars, playing in a 3-4-3 formation, were well-organized and disciplined. Thailand goalkeeper Patiwat Boonkham led a backline of Kan Mo, Harrison Delbridge (Australia) and Amani Aguinaldo (Philippines).

The wingers are Yaya Dukuly (Australia) and Declan Lambert (Malaysia), while Sergio Aguero (Malaysia) and Adamson Kealey (Australia) teamed up in the midfield. Up front, Sandro Reyes (Philippines) and Nguyen Hai Long (Vietnam) supported striker Abdel Coulibaly (Cambodia).

The match began with caution but came to life in the sixth minute when Long became a troublemaker on the right flank, getting four shots between the 6th and 14th minutes.

Though none found the target, his explosive dribbling and energy excited the crowd, and triggered humorous social media comments suggesting he "deserves a spot in Man Utd more than some of their players."

United’s first attempt came in the 24th minute with a header from Maguire off a corner. Two minutes later, Onana was forced to make a save from a finishing effort by Reyes. Amorim appeared frustrated on the sidelines.

In the 32nd minute, Amorim subbed out four players, Casemiro, Maguire, Dorgu, and Dalot, for young talents Jaydan Kamason, Dan Armer, Shea Lacey and Sekou Kone.

The young players quickly lifted United's performance. Mainoo forced a low save from Patiwat in the 34th minute, then nearly scored again with a powerful volley that was blocked on the line by Delbridge.

The first half ended goalless, a surprising result that quickly drew online criticism. On X, users mocked Amorim, with one post calling him a "fraud" and demanding his dismissal if United failed to beat the ASEAN All-Stars.

That scenario actually happened in the second half. In the 71st minute, Adrian Segecic (Australia) delivered a through pass to Maung Maung Lwin (Myanmar), who expertly curled his shot into the top corner, giving ASEAN a 1-0 lead.

Despite bringing on Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo, United failed to respond. Their possession led to few clear chances, with most long-range shots blocked and plays on the flanks denied by the All-Stars’ disciplined defense.

In stoppage time, goalkeeper Tom Heaton joined the attack for a corner but failed to make an impact. Minutes later, United narrowly avoided conceding a second goal when Jim Thwaites rushed back to deny Segecic’s finish, who had dribbled past Fernandes during a counterattack.

The 1-0 defeat added to the growing criticism surrounding United. The Standard called United’s time in Kuala Lumpur another step backward.

Kim Sang-sik and his squad celebrated with the trophy as the Southeast Asian crowd erupted in cheers.

Man United will continue their Asian tour on May 30 with a friendly match in Hong Kong.

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