**In a result that will reverberate across both Southeast Asia and Europe, a hastily assembled ASEAN All-Stars squad stunned English giants Manchester United with a 1-0 victory in the Maybank Challenge Cup at Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on the night of May 28.**
Myanmar winger Maung Maung Lwin etched his name into Asian football history by scoring the lone goal in the 71st minute, toppling the once-mighty Red Devils before a roaring crowd of 72,550 fans. The victory came despite the All-Stars having less than 48 hours of preparation and just one training session together.
“This isn’t just a win. It’s a message,” said ASEAN All-Stars head coach Kim Sang-sik. “We trained for two days, but these players fought like brothers. To beat one of the world’s top clubs is an honour — and a reminder that Asian football deserves global respect.”
Maung Maung Lwin, who plays for Thailand’s Lamphun Warriors, calmly slotted home after latching onto a cross from Australian rising star Adrian Segecic. “Maybe this isn’t a dream,” said a visibly emotional Lwin post-match. “It’s the biggest goal of my life. For me, for Myanmar, and for Asian football.”
The match began with early aggression from the All-Stars, notably Hanoi FC’s Nguyen Hai Long, who threatened United’s goal twice within the first 11 minutes. United responded with efforts from Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, but failed to break down the cohesive ASEAN backline.
Despite boasting stars like Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Højlund and Diogo Dalot — and being led by Rúben Amorim, one of Europe’s highly-rated young managers — United failed to find their rhythm. The result adds further embarrassment to an already forgettable season in which they finished 15th in the Premier League with just 42 points.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, an avowed Manchester United fan, attended the match dressed in an ASEAN All-Stars jersey beneath a United jacket. He presided over the ceremonial kickoff and post-match trophy presentation alongside Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and AFF officials.
Anwar, reacting to the shock defeat, posted on Facebook: “Hopefully you won’t get relegated to the Championship,” poking fun at the Red Devils’ slump. “Oh dear! Manchester United have failed to win a trophy again. You’re going to have a headache next season too.”
The Prime Minister nonetheless praised the victors: “Congratulations to the ASEAN All-Stars — you really are the best.”
The victory was symbolic in many ways. Head coach Sang-sik, who recently led Vietnam to an ASEAN Championship title, hailed the performance as proof that ASEAN talent can match the best. “We need to stop thinking we’re second best. Today, Momo and this team showed what’s possible.”
The friendly match coincided with the 46th ASEAN Summit and other key regional events, adding political and cultural significance to the football spectacle. A RM1 million mock cheque was also presented to Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah during the opening ceremony by AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth.
The match marked Manchester United’s return to Malaysia for the first time since their 2009 tour — a memory now overshadowed by what some fans are calling “Bukit Jalil’s miracle.”
United continue their post-season tour with a stop in Hong Kong next, but the shadow of this historic defeat may linger for some time.
As the final whistle blew, Sang-sik and his players stood in the centre circle — united, emotional, and defiant. “This is just one match,” he said. “But it’s a reminder: Asia belongs in the global football conversation.”