In a disappointing start to their Asian post-season tour, Manchester United fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against the ASEAN All-Stars in Malaysia. The match, held on May 29, 2025, saw Myanmar striker Maung Maung Lwin, who currently plays for the Thai club Lamphun Warriors, score the decisive goal in the 70th minute, sending a powerful shot past goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
The ASEAN All-Stars had opportunities to extend their lead in the closing moments of the match, but a remarkable defensive play by 17-year-old Jim Thwaites prevented a second goal. Thwaites executed a crucial tackle that thwarted a clear chance for the All-Stars, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
Following the match, Manchester United’s performance drew criticism from their supporters, who expressed their dissatisfaction by booing the team off the pitch. Manager Ruben Amorim took responsibility for the loss, admitting he felt “guilty” during the post-match press conference.
Among the notable players on the ASEAN side was Singaporean defender Irfan Fandi, who plays for Port FC in Thailand. Fandi made significant contributions throughout the match, including a standout moment where he dispossessed Alejandro Garnacho as the United forward attempted to maneuver into a scoring position.
Looking ahead, Manchester United is set to face Hong Kong in their next match, which will conclude their Asian tour. This tour has been described as “mad” by former Arsenal player Jens Lehmann, especially coming on the heels of United’s recent defeat in the Europa League final against Tottenham. Raphael Varane, a former United star, has voiced concerns regarding the team’s demanding schedule, advocating for more rest to ensure player well-being.
Financially, the tour is expected to generate approximately £8 million (around S$13.88 million) for the club, despite the disappointing results on the pitch. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds in their upcoming match against Hong Kong.
For those interested, highlights of the match can be viewed on Manchester United’s official Twitter and YouTube channels.