Manchester United’s troubles continued post-season as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against a Southeast Asian XI in an exhibition match held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Wednesday.
The loss, witnessed by a crowd of 72,550, added to what has already been a nightmare season for the English club.
Ruben Amorim’s side, coming off a dismal 15th-place finish in the Premier League—their worst since 1974—appeared sluggish and uninspired in the sweltering 32°C (90°F) heat of Kuala Lumpur.
United fielded a strong starting lineup including Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, and Andre Onana. Yet it was the ASEAN All-Stars who showed more initiative early on, nearly scoring in the 16th minute and forcing a crucial low save from Onana.
Mainoo came close to breaking the deadlock for United, first with a 25-yard shot that was pushed behind for a corner and later with a strike cleared off the line in the 38th minute. Captain Bruno Fernandes came on in the second half and added some spark, while Alejandro Garnacho—rumored to be on his way out of the club—also made a lively appearance.
Despite some improvement after the break, United were undone in the 71st minute when Burmese forward Maung Maung Lwin broke through the defense and fired into the top corner past goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Heaton was later called into action again to deny the All-Stars a second goal, preventing a deeper humiliation.
After the match, Amorim acknowledged the team’s poor performance and accepted the fans’ boos. “We were slow and still don’t have the mentality to compete every day,” he said. “The fans believe in Manchester United regardless. We have to honour that by improving.”
The loss highlights Manchester United’s ongoing issues in attack and underscores reports of the club’s willingness to spend £62.5 million ($85 million) to secure Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha from Wolves—though Amorim declined to confirm the deal.
United next face a local Hong Kong team on Friday as they continue their post-season tour of Asia.
