Manchester United were booed off the pitch on Wednesday after losing 1–0 to a Southeast Asian All-Stars team in a post-season friendly match in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The match was played at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in front of 72,550 fans, some of whom walked out before the final whistle. Many others expressed their frustration by booing at full-time.
The only goal of the match came in the 71st minute when Burmese forward Maung Maung Lwin broke through and scored a powerful shot past United goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
This latest defeat adds to a difficult season for the English club, who finished 15th in the Premier League—one of their worst finishes since 1974.
Manchester United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, looked disappointed throughout the match and admitted after the game that his team lacked energy and drive.
“We were slow and we still don’t have it in us to win every exercise in training, every game,” Amorim said.
Reacting to the boos from the fans, he added, “The boos from the fans, it’s something that we need. These people believe in Manchester United no matter what the context. It’s our duty to improve the team.”
He also said the team must find the hunger to win every game, especially with another match coming up in Hong Kong on Friday.
United started with several top players including Harry Maguire, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Rasmus Højlund, Kobbie Mainoo, and goalkeeper Andre Onana. Despite this, the team struggled in the 32°C heat and failed to break down the well-organised Southeast Asian side.
Young midfielder Mainoo came close twice in the first half—once with a long-range shot that was pushed behind, and again when his effort was cleared off the line in the 38th minute.
Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench in the second half and added some spark, but it wasn’t enough to change the result.
The Red Devils are also reportedly planning a major signing ahead of next season and are eyeing a £62.5 million move for Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers. But when asked about the deal, Amorim refused to confirm it.
Despite the loss, Amorim said he was happy the team avoided injuries and was focused on improving their performance before next season.
“We need to have that belief, that hunger to win every game. That is important,” he said.
Manchester United will play the second leg of their Asia tour against a team in Hong Kong on Friday.
