In searing Malaysian heat, Manchester United’s miserable season found a new low. Booed off at full-time after a 1-0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars, head coach Ruben Amorim insisted the jeers were “something we need” as United’s post-season tour got off to a rocky start.
Myanmar winger Maung Maung Lwin’s second-half strike sealed a shock win for the South East Asian XI in front of 72,550 fans at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. Many had paid up to £260 to watch their idols—only to be left disappointed by a blunt and weary United side.
Despite deploying 25 outfield players and regularly rotating the squad, Amorim’s men failed to convert a host of chances. The result, though technically meaningless, was symbolic of a campaign that has unravelled spectacularly for the 20-time English champions.
Just days after limping to a 15th-place Premier League finish—their worst since 1974—United now find themselves unable to beat a regional all-star side, thousands of miles from home. The match capped a turbulent stretch that included a Europa League final loss to Tottenham and a 60-game marathon season.
Amorim, whose own position is under scrutiny after failing to lift the mood since taking over in February, struck a reflective tone post-match.
“The boos maybe are something we need,” he said. “Every game we lost in the Premier League, the fans were always there. I felt when we finished every time, the supporters were with us. Let’s see for next season.”
Still, there are signs of change. The club is expected to finalise a £62.5m deal for Wolves striker Matheus Cunha, who has been cleared for a medical. Amorim, however, remained tight-lipped: “You have to wait for that for the next season. I have no news.”
Meanwhile, Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is being closely monitored as United aim to reshape their attack. The 21-year-old striker is available for £30m following Ipswich’s relegation and is reportedly choosing between United and Chelsea. A decision is expected before the start of the European U21 Championship in June.
With Garnacho told he can leave and Bruno Fernandes potentially weighing a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, the squad is on the cusp of major upheaval. Yet despite the gloom, United’s hierarchy remains publicly optimistic.
Chief executive Omar Berrada, speaking to club media before the Kuala Lumpur defeat, said:
“We know what we need to do. We have a very clear idea of where we need to invest in the squad to improve. Now it is a question of executing that plan in a way that is prudent but ambitious.”
Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton is set to sign a one-year extension, providing continuity in a squad likely to see heavy turnover. But questions persist, particularly over Rasmus Hojlund. The Dane managed just four goals in 32 Premier League appearances and faces an uncertain future if both Cunha and Delap arrive.
“Sometimes you go on holiday and come back to a new season and the environment is better,” said Amorim. “We do have a lack of goals. We will try to assess that and be prepared.”
The Red Devils now head to Hong Kong for the final leg of the tour. With around 10,000 tickets still unsold at the 40,000-capacity stadium, Amorim was asked why fans should pay again.
He answered with a story from his youth:
“It was difficult supporting Benfica in the 1990s, but I never stopped going. These people believe in Manchester United, no matter what the context.”
Friday offers United a chance to save face before heading into a crucial summer. But with the fans restless and patience wearing thin, nothing less than a convincing win—and clear progress—will do.
