Manchester United’s disappointing season ended with another underwhelming performance as they lost 1-0 to an ASEAN All-Stars select side in Kuala Lumpur. The defeat, part of a lucrative post-season tour, followed a familiar pattern of missed opportunities and lackluster play.
After finishing 15th in the Premier League and suffering Europa League final heartbreak, United’s struggles continued against a makeshift opponent. Captain Harry Maguire led a rotated side featuring Casemiro, André Onana, Kobbie Mainoo, and Rasmus Højlund, while big names like Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho started on the bench.
The decisive moment came in the 71st minute when Burmese winger Maung Maung Lwin, who plays for Thai club Lamphun Warriors, capitalized on a defensive lapse to score the winner. United failed to mount a serious response, extending their trend of faltering in crucial moments.
Manager Ruben Amorim didn’t hold back in his assessment, saying: “We don’t have the mentality to avoid collapsing—it happens in every match, every drill. We should be winning these games, no matter the circumstances. That killer instinct is missing.”
Despite the loss, Amorim took some positives from the performances of young players given a chance to impress. “The kids showed hunger, which is what I want to see. The conditions were tough, but that’s no excuse—we have to be better.”
The match followed a fan parade through Kuala Lumpur, where supporters got a close look at a squad in transition. CEO Omar Berrada attempted to reassure fans about the club’s direction, stating that transfer plans have been in motion for months. “We know exactly where we need to strengthen,” he told MUTV.
United wrap up their tour with a friendly in Hong Kong on Friday, reportedly earning £8m from the trip. But with performances like this, questions remain over whether the club can turn things around next season.
