Manchester United’s poor form continued as they succumbed to a shock 0-1 defeat at the hands of the ASEAN All-Stars at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Yes, it was a friendly and quite a few players were tired given their exertions over the course of the season but the performance was woeful once again.
Fans would not have expected a stellar showing today but they could have played as freely as against Aston Villa on the last day of the Premier League season.
Most of the senior players selected by Ruben Amorim let him down, with Rasmus Hojlund, in particular, looking like he was not even upto the standards required in Asia.
Rasmus and Ugarte were shocking
The head coach is a smooth talker and spoke of how he felt the good times would return, but on current evidence, it looks unlikely. What he is doing in training with this team, only he knows.
United desperately need a striker, while the club seem to be focussed on adding attacking midfielders. Whether Liam Delap is the answer is not sure, especially when it looks like the team needs a readymade replacement for Hojlund, not another player with potential.
The truth is the midfield also looks badly lacking in quality. Casemiro was slow, but it was expected on a hot and humid evening. But Manuel Ugarte’s form was concerning yet again.
The Uruguayan looked negative on the ball, always looking to play safe and hardly played any line-breaking passes.
The ASEAN All-Stars created chances frequently over the course of the 90 minutes while the Red Devils hardly made the keeper work.
Kids did the club proud
The only bright spots was the performance of a few Carrington wonderkids. Sekou Kone’s introduction really livened things up, and his work-rate and determination were top-notch.
There have been rumours floating that he might be loaned out, but given the club’s financial woes, it would not be the worst call to keep him around the first team.
Kobbie Mainoo, who played as an attacking midfielder, also tried gamely but ultimately failed to break the deadlock in the first half.
In Shia Lacey’s first chance for the senior team, he impressed with his dancing feet and if he can stay fit, the 18-year-old might be on course to make his official debut next season.
The 20-time English league champions will next be seen in action against Hong Kong on Friday.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
