The prestigious Premier League team Manchester United (hereafter referred to as Man U) has lost both the game and its demeanor.
The ASEAN All-Stars, led by coach Kim Sang-sik, defeated Man U 1-0 in a friendly match held on the 28th at Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Finishing the season in 15th place in the Premier League, Man U has once again tarnished its pride.
Man U had most of its key players, including Mainu, DIO, Casemiro, Hojlund, Maguire, and Onana, start and play in the first half. The ASEAN All-Stars, led by Kim Sang-sik, scored the winning goal in the second half.
Man U was fatigued after playing the final Premier League match just two days prior and due to long-distance travel. Nevertheless, there is no room for excuses regarding Man U's defeat.
After the game, coach Kim Sang-sik noted, "Honestly, I did not expect to win. We achieved victory against a strong team like Man U. This game holds a very special significance for me as a coach. This experience with the ASEAN All-Stars will personally remain a great memory."
Southeast Asian fans paid high ticket prices to see world-class players. Regardless of the win or loss, Man U players received tremendous cheers. The Man U players arrived in Malaysia aboard a double-decker bus and even held a car parade.
However, the fan service was terrible. After the match, a major incident occurred as Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho got into a heated exchange with fans, resulting in offensive gestures. They ignored fans' requests for autographs and simply brushed past.
This incident rapidly spread on social media through videos taken by fans. Fans expressed their disappointment, stating, "Man U players have no skills but are too arrogant," and "My illusions about Man U have been shattered."
According to 'Daily Mail', Amad revealed that he heard disparaging words from a fan. The word he heard was offensive and did not contain racist content. Amad and Garnacho clarified that their offensive gestures were not directed at fans but were merely playful banter between themselves.
Fans remain unconvinced by the unclear explanations from the Man U players. The reputation of Man U has already hit rock bottom. Man U will leave Malaysia and move to Hong Kong, where they will play another friendly match against the Hong Kong national team on the 30th.
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