“The past is the past,” stated Omar Berrada, the chief executive of Manchester United, as he addressed the club’s in-house TV cameras while trying to cool off in the sweltering humidity of Kuala Lumpur.

Berrada faces the daunting challenge of forgetting a troubling past, particularly as he attempts to reshape a team that keeps reiterating its struggles.

Just a week after a disappointing performance in the Europa League final, United delivered another lackluster display, this time against the ASEAN All Stars, a squad comprised of players from 12 nations within the Southeast Asian confederation.

With over 72,000 spectators filling Malaysia’s national stadium, even the priciest tickets were set at £262, representing a significant portion of a Malaysian’s monthly salary. The warm reception from fans before kick-off resembled a scene of fervent excitement.

The enthusiastic cheers echoed as Ruben Amorim and his squad arrived, continuing through the warm-up and into the first half.

However, as the match progressed, the initial enthusiasm from fans began to wane.

The unfolding actions on the pitch demonstrated to the crowd—who expressed their discontent with boos at the final whistle—that the players are not infallible.

Amorim, who is typically used to unwavering support from home fans, surprisingly welcomed the jeers post-match in Southeast Asia.

“Perhaps it’s something we need because in every Premier League match we lost, they were always there supporting us,” he remarked. “This is a match we should have claimed victory in. We lack the desire to win every game and every training session.”

He further lamented, “We struggle to avoid collapsing in every match—that was evident today. Games like these should be won, regardless of the circumstances. We need to harness that winning mentality going forward.”

This encounter may have been just a friendly—set against the backdrop of United’s lucrative tour in Malaysia and Hong Kong, and played in scorching temperatures exceeding 30°C—but there was little evidence of strategic play or creativity from the team.

“It’s a match they will remember for a lifetime,” announced the compere as the All-Star XI collected their medals at Bukit Jalil Stadium.

For Maung Maung Lwin, this day, May 28, 2025, would be etched in memory as he scored the winning goal against United.

Despite facing lesser opposition in Thailand’s top league with Lamphun Warriors, Lwin took advantage of his one-on-one opportunity and deftly placed the ball past goalkeeper Tom Heaton, leaving Amorim and his team watching the hosts celebrate with the Maybank Challenge Cup.

Harry Maguire received an enthusiastic reception early in the match, with fans cheering his every touch. André Onana, another player under scrutiny back home, also garnered support.

The match continued to reveal persistent issues plaguing United this season—an unguarded midfield, insufficient attacking prowess, and negligible creativity.

Vietnamese striker Nguyen Hai Long cut into the box and fired a shot narrowly off target. Following the goal kick, Onana’s clearance was quickly wasted as he attempted to find Patrick Dorgu.

Ayden Heaven and Manuel Ugarte made crucial blocks as pressure mounted from the hosts. Midfielder Jack Moorhouse, substituted shortly after, demonstrated promise yet struggled to find effective outlets for his attacks. Rasmus Hojlund remained largely uninvolved during his time on the field.

United finally registered their first and only shot of the first half when Kobbie Mainoo unleashed a volley from eight yards, which was blocked on the line by a defender.

The arrival of Bruno Fernandes from the tunnel at the start of the second half momentarily lifted spirits among United supporters, leading to hopes of improved play.

Fernandes brought energy and creativity but, yet again, United faltered in front of the net. Chido Obi, who came on for Hojlund, squandered a promising chance by sending his shot wide.

As United tired, gaps started to appear in their defensive line. After patient buildup play down the left flank, Lwin capitalized on a well-placed pass from Adrian Segecic, scoring the game’s only goal and posing for celebratory photographs with his teammates.

Alejandro Garnacho, participating again after his previous disciplinary issues, buzzed around the box but failed to capitalize on another chance set up by Obi, his shot blocked.

In the closing moments, Jonny Evans attempted to penetrate the packed All Stars defense with a pass, at which point it became apparent that United would be unable to find the net.

The 10,000 remaining tickets for United’s upcoming fixture against Hong Kong may prove difficult to sell following this performance.

Manchester United (3-4-2-1): A Onana (T Heaton 46min) — R Munro (T Fredricson 46), H Maguire (D Armer 30; J Evans 46), A Heaven (G Kukonki 46) — D Dalot (J Kamason 30; A Diallo 46), Casemiro (S Kone 30; T Collyer 46), M Ugarte (B Fernandes 46), P Dorgu (H Amass 46) — J Moorhouse (S Lacey 30 (T Fletcher 46; J Thwaites 67), K Mainoo (A Garnacho 46) — R Hojlund (C Obi 46).