Manchester United Lose 1-0 to Asean All-Stars, Get Booed Off Pitch in M’sia

Manchester United suffered fresh embarrassment on 28 May 2025, losing 1-0 to a South-east Asian XI in front of 72,550 football fans at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

The defeat marked the first stop of their Asian tour following their worst Premier League season since 1974.

Red Devils Booed Off After Shock 1-0 Loss in Kuala Lumpur

Myanmar striker Maung Maung Lwin, who plays for Thai mid-table team Lamphun Warriors, scored the decisive goal in the 71st minute. The 29-year-old fired into the top corner past Tom Heaton to stun the visiting Red Devils.

Manager Ruben Amorim admitted his team deserved the hostile reception from supporters. Some fans left before the final whistle, with boos echoing around the stadium as United trudged off the pitch.

“We were slow and we still don’t have it in us to win every exercise in training, every game,” Amorim said after the match.

The Portuguese coach appeared visibly frustrated throughout the encounter, shaking his head at his team’s performance.

United started with several regulars including Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Andre Onana. Despite fielding experienced players, they looked lethargic and devoid of ideas in the gruelling 32-degree Celsius heat.

The Asean All Stars appeared more threatening in the first half. Singapore defender Irfan Fandi, who plays for Thailand’s Port FC, made notable plays including casually dispossessing Alejandro Garnacho when he tried to cut in.

United improved in the second half but couldn’t prevent the shock result. The South-east Asian side nearly doubled their tally in the final stretch when they found themselves clear through on goal, but 17-year-old Jim Thwaites made an excellent tackle to deny them.

United’s Goal Struggles Continue Amid Transfer Speculation

The defeat highlighted United’s ongoing goal-scoring difficulties throughout the season. The club finished 15th in the English Premier League, their worst campaign since 1974.

United are reportedly prepared to shell out £62.5 million (~S$100 million) on Brazilian international attacker Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The BBC reported United will pay the fee in three instalments over the next two years after Wolves rejected a proposal to split the payment over five years.

Cunha scored 17 goals to help haul Wolves out of a relegation battle. They finished behind United only on goal difference in the Premier League table. The 26-year-old has made no secret of his desire to move on from Molineux.

“I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step,” Cunha told The Guardian in March. “I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”

Amorim refused to confirm the Cunha deal during his post-match press conference. He said he felt “guilty” for United’s loss during the media briefing.

The Portuguese coach welcomed the fans’ negative reaction to his team’s performance. “The boos from the fans, it’s something that we need,” he stated. “These people believe in Manchester United no matter what the context.”

United’s tour comes just days after their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham. Former United star Raphael Varane has called for more rest for the team in the face of an increasingly packed schedule.

Former Arsenal player Jens Lehmann has described the tour as “mad”.

The club is reportedly expected to make £8 million (~S$13.88 million) from the Asian tour. United will next play Hong Kong on 30 May to conclude their post-season travels.

Amorim was happy to leave the Malaysian capital and head to Hong Kong with no new injuries.

“It’s our duty to improve the team and to improve the team next season,” he added. “For me, we need to have that belief, that hunger to win every game, that is important.”