Manchester United’s post-season tour began on a sour note with a shocking 1-0 loss to the ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur, drawing boos from the 72,550-strong crowd at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
“Fans Boo Manchester United in Malaysia; Amorim Admits ‘I Feel Guilty'”
Head coach Ruben Amorim welcomed the jeers, suggesting they might serve as a necessary wake-up call for his underperforming squad.
“Maybe it’s something we need,” Amorim admitted, acknowledging the team’s lackluster performance.
“We were slow and lacked the intensity required to win every exercise in training, every game.”
The Portuguese manager emphasized the importance of fan feedback, stating, “If they see that it’s not working, they will change the way they behave.”Â
The defeat came just a week after United’s 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final, capping off a dismal season where the club finished 15th in the Premier League—their worst in the modern era.
Despite the presence of seasoned players like Casemiro, Harry Maguire, and Rasmus Højlund, United failed to capitalize on their 19 attempts on goal, with Burmese winger Maung Maung Lwin netting the decisive goal for the All-Stars.
Amorim didn’t mince words about his team’s shortcomings, labeling them as a group of “chokers” who consistently falter under pressure.
He highlighted the psychological burden affecting the players, noting, “They are sometimes afraid on the pitch.”Â
Despite the setback, there were glimpses of promise. Young talents like Kobbie Mainoo and Shea Lacey showed potential, with Mainoo even captaining the side after Maguire’s exit.
Amorim expressed satisfaction in avoiding injuries during the match, especially given the challenging pitch and weather conditions.
As United prepares for their next friendly against Hong Kong’s national team, Amorim remains focused on rebuilding.
While reports suggest a £62.5 million move for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha is imminent, Amorim declined to comment, stating, “You have to wait for that for the next season.”Â
The club’s management, including CEO Omar Berrada, has emphasized the need for unity and hard work as they aim to recover from one of the most challenging seasons in Manchester United’s history.
