Manchester United’s irredeemable campaign went from bad to worse on Wednesday as they fell to a miserable 1-0 defeat to ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur.
United were unable to break down their stubborn opponents, who took the lead in the second half through Maung Maung Lwin. The ASEAN All-Stars team consisted of top players from Southeast Asia and Australia.
Although Ruben Amorim named a strong team, it was hardly surprising that the Red Devils appeared lethargic from the start, having flown to Malaysia immediately after their final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The likes of Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Patrick Dorgy, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund all started the game.
Bruno Fernandes, Amad and Alejandro Garnacho were among the substitutes to come on at half-time.
However, jetlag aside, there can be few excuses for the performances of several United players, many of whom appeared completely disinterested.
ASEAN All-stars looked likely to score the whole match before they went ahead, and they were deserved winners.
The Red Devils had the lion’s share of possession, 64% to ASEAN All-Stars’ 34% share of the ball.
United fired 19 shots, with four of these being on target. In comparison, ASEAN All-Stars aimed nine shots, with two of these requiring Andre Onana and Tom Heaton to swing into action. One of course ended up in the back of the net.
Amorim’s men put together 628 passes with a pass accuracy of 64%. ASEAN All-Stars strung 356 passes with a completion rate of 82%.
United won six corners, just two more than ASEAN All-Stars.
United travel to Hong Kong next up to take on a Hong Kong team in the final game of their post-season tour. Amorim will certainly be hoping for a more spirited display from his stars.
Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Imagess
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
