Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim highlighted the performances of the youngsters and the absence of any injuries as the two positives from the team’s 1-0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars.
United began their post-season with a humbling loss, courtesy of a second-half strike from Maung Maung Lwin.
The Red Devils delivered a sluggish and uninspired display, struggling to break down the ASEAN All-Stars’ resolute defence.
After the final whistle, Amorim spoke to MUTV and admitted that the result was a disappointing one as United were largely expected to win.
He also hailed the youngsters, most of whom have good accounts of themselves at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Jaydon Kamason was energetic and brought something different during the few minutes he was on the pitch. Shea Lacey demonstrated some magic and even delivered a superb cross for United’s best chance of the game.
Sekou Kone stole the spotlight with his effortless, calm and composed cameo in the middle of the park, while Jim Thwaites showed great determination right at the end to thwart the opposition from getting a second goal.
This is alongside the likes of Chido Obi, Ayden Heaven, Tyler Fredricson and Tyler Fletcher, who all did well.
Amorim told MUTV, “We were expecting a good game, an intense game, in these conditions. But the good thing is that we didn’t have injuries and we saw the young kids.”
“The important thing is no injuries, with this weather and everything that we did to arrive here in this day. But, again, it’s not an excuse. We should perform better.”
He added, “We have to control the minutes of everybody. He [Kone] will play more in the next game on Friday. He did quite well but all the young kids tried, that is the most important thing.”
“They want to play more but we have to rotate everybody, so everybody can play. They did well.”
It’s certainly encouraging to see Amorim acknowledging the efforts of the youngsters and even promising to give Kone more minutes in the next match.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Image
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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!
