Manchester United's 0-1 defeat in Southeast Asia was more than just the result of a friendly match. It was a shocking clash of the powerlessness of a prestigious club and the pride of a rising football stronghold.

On the 28th (Korea time), Manchester United lost 0-1 in a friendly match against the ASEAN All-Stars at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Although this match, taking place just two days after the Premier League final, had the nature of a 'postseason tour', it was also a stage that carried the expectations and pride of Southeast Asian fans.

Under the leadership of coach Ruben Amorim, Manchester United fielded several key players, including Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, and André Onana, but after a scoreless struggle, they conceded the decisive goal to Myanmar's Maw Maw Lin. In particular, after several key players were substituted in the second half, the team could not regain momentum, and the stadium was filled with cold jeers as the final whistle blew.

On the other hand, the star of the day was coach Kim Sang-sik. After winning the 2024 ASEAN Cup, he is regarded as the best coach in Southeast Asia, and he proved his skills once again. He was appointed as the interim coach of the ASEAN All-Star team by the AFF and showcased a high level of organization by combining elite players from 12 countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Australia, in just two days.

Coach Kim's 3-4-3 tactic targeted Manchester United's weaknesses. Nguyen Hai Long, Sandro Reyes, and Adrian Segecic did not fall behind at all in physical duels, positioning, and pressure against Manchester United players, and Lin's finish, after receiving a pass from Segecic in the 71st minute, proved that the level of football in Southeast Asia is no longer just 'event match' level.

After the match, Coach Kim said, "Winning against a global club is an unforgettable moment for both the players and me," and noted, "This match showed that Southeast Asian football is no longer lagging behind."

After the match, the British 'Daily Mail' reported on the words of Coach Amorim, citing 'The Sun.' He said, "It is clear that the result is disappointing. While the absence of injuries and the difficult ground conditions are points to consider, they are not excuses. This was a match we absolutely had to win."

According to the report, Manchester United used 27 players in this match, with many promising young players participating. However, Onana, Dalot, and Casemiro, along with Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte, played, and in the second half, Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho were also brought on.

Coach Amorim criticized the team's mental strength, saying, "Our team falls apart every time, whether in training or matches. This mental state is the problem. We must win these kinds of matches. We have to engrave that in our minds."

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