Manchester United’s first of two friendly matches in Asia ended in a 1-0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars.
After a disappointing end to the 2024/25 campaign, Manchester United jetted out to Malaysia for the 2025 post-season tour of Asia which is expected to bring in around £8 million for the club.
Ruben Amorim named a 32-man travelling squad for the tour, and 27 players were used against the ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Sekou Kone looks brilliant
Amorim started with an experienced midfield against the ASEAN All-Stars, with Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro starting alongside each other.
But he made changes within the first half an hour and summer signing Sekou Kone was given his chance to impress in the first team.
Kone could enjoy a breakthrough on tour after an impressive first season in United’s academy, and he took his opportunity with both hands.
The teenage midfielder settled brilliantly into the match and began to dictate the tempo for the Red Devils.
Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles continue
The tour is a good chance for Amorim to experiment with United’s youth, but he also started a handful of experienced stars such as Rasmus Hojlund.
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Hojlund endured a terrible season in 2024/25 which has thrown his future into doubt. His performance in Malaysia certainly wasn’t convincing either.
Surrounded by younger players, Hojlund was outshone by nearly all of them. The Dane struggled to make an impact and gave away far too many sloppy passes.
Kobbie Mainoo is a future captain
With Bruno Fernandes on the bench, it was former captain Harry Maguire who was given the armband from kick-off.
But the English defender was replaced less than half an hour into the match, and he handed the armband over to Kobbie Mainoo.
At a time when Mainoo is being linked with a United exit, it might reassure him that he was given a chance to captain his boyhood side in Kuala Lumpur.
Alejandro Garnacho returns
Following Alejandro Garnacho’s comments after the Europa League final defeat, the young Argentine was dropped from the squad for the win over Aston Villa.
Since then, Amorim has told Garnacho to leave United in brutal fashion, and many speculated whether we would ever see the 20-year-old again in a United shirt.
Well, perhaps not in a competitive game, but Alejandro Garnacho did come on at half-time to play the final 45 minutes against ASEAN All-Stars.
Valuable minutes for Man United academy stars
As part of the tour squad, Amorim included nine unseen United academy stars who will be wanting to impress in Asia.
All nine of them picked up valuable minutes with the first team, while the likes of Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, Chido Obi and Tyler Fredricson also continued their growth as senior squad members.
READ MORE: Two Man United academy stars who were ‘prominent’ in open training ahead of ASEAN All-Stars match
Amorim will be understandably frustrated not to win, but there were a handful of youngsters who may have caught his eye.