HONG KONG 1-3 MANCHESTER UNITED: Chido Obi came off the bench to save Manchester United's blushes in Hong Kong as Ruben Amorim's side rounded off their post-season tour
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14:54, 30 May 2025
Chido Obi celebrates his equaliser for Manchester United in Hong Kong
Chido Obi celebrates his equaliser for Manchester United in Hong Kong
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Manchester United needed to come from behind in Hong Kong on Friday as they brought their miserable season to a close in what could end up being Bruno Fernandes' last game for the club. There was at least one bright spark, though, with Chido Obi's double turning a half-time deficit into victory.
After a shock defeat in midweek against the ASEAN All Stars, Ruben Amorim wanted a response. There were some promising early moments, but it was Hong Kong who struck first as Juninho's effort beat Tom Heaton all too easily.
It remained 1-0 at the break, and United boss Ruben Amorim changed his entire XI at the break. The changes bore fruit within a few minutes, with Obi equalising impressively, and fellow sub Ayden Heaven had a chance to make it 2-1.
There was still some danger on the break, though, with sub keeper Altay Bayindir needing to be alert to deny Lau Ka Kiu midway through the second period. As the match entered the final 20 minutes, though, United kicked on and Kobbie Mainoo got an opening but couldn't keep his shot down.
United also saw a penalty appeal waved away when Mason Mount went down in the box. It was Obi who settled the tie, though, sending a glancing header into the far corner, and Heaven's stoppage-time header made it three.
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United looked full of energy in the opening minutes, with Rasmus Hojlund getting a sight of goal early on, but the striker was unable to beat Hong Kong keeper Ka Wing Tse. United had the ball in the net not long after, with Casemiro sending a diving header into the nt, but the flag went up for offside.
Tse made a couple more sharp saves insde the first half hour to keep Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho at bay. The pair were among the senior stars handed starts by Ruben Amorim, while youngsters including Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson also got minutes from the get-go
Amorim made a number of changes at the break, just as he did on Wednesday, and they immediately bore fruit with Obi's leveller before the teenager completed the turnaround. Here are Mirror Football's talking points.
1. Bruno still focused
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
Before the game, much of the conversation surrounded Bruno Fernandes. He was reported to be open to a United exit. Al Hilal appear to be the most likely suitors, with a £100million transfer fee mooted as well as a £200m contract.
United are said to be relaxed about the situation, and there was no danger of their skipper sitting this one out. His usual creativity was on show early on, but Casemiro hasd strayed just offside before heading home the captain's free-kick.
He came close to breaking the deadlock with another free-kick, with the ball moving wildly and almost deceiving Tse. There was an even bigger chance 10 minutes before half-time, but he opted to attempt a rabona when one-on-one with the keeper and saw it blocked, and only time will tell whether that ends up being Fernandes' final game for the club
2. Obi gives Hojlund a warning
Rasmus Hojlund's shot saved by Ka Wing Tau
Rasmus Hojlund saw an early shot saved by Ka Wing Tau
It was another scoreless game for Rasmus Hojlund, despite his early sight of goal. A second chance arrived late in the first half, only for the Dane to allow an opposition defender to snuff out the chance, and his recent record still stands at just one goal in the last month.
Chido Obi found things far easier after taking his place, though. The young striker replaced Hojlund for the second half and wasted little time finding the net.
His goal was an impressive one, too, with the teenager spinning and firing confidently into the bottom corner. He had more chances before his late winner, and the movement was something Hojlund lacked during his 45 minutes.
3. Garnacho lively
Alejandro Garnacho in action during the first half of Hong Kong vs Manchester United
Alejandro Garnacho in action during the first half of Hong Kong vs Manchester United
Alejandro Garnacho si another who could be on his way, and perhaps he saw this game as a chance to show his quality and willing to potential buyers. He delivered a jinking run and early shot to test Hong Kong's keeper early on, and another run saw him set up a great chance which Shea Lacey sent wide of the far post.
In recent weeks, Garnacho's exit has looked like a matter of when and not if. The same thing appeared to be true in January as well, though, and he ended up sticking around.
Amorim may well have already decided Garnacho is among those players who needs to be sold to raise transfer funds. At his best, though, he can certainly be a difference-maker - it just so happens that he may end up taking on that role for someone else next season.
4. Weather a factor
Tom Heaton during the first half of Hong Kong vs Manchester United
Tom Heaton was beaten for Hong Kong's opener
Heavy rain in Hong Kong ahead of the game made the pitch slow at times, and United paid the penalty. Most notably, Garnacho looked poised to connect with an inviting early cross from Jaydan Kamason, only for the ball to hold up on the turf and allow an opposition defender to clear up.
It was harder to determine whether the slippery conditions might have had something to do with the opener. Either way, the veteran will feel as though he was beaten too easily by the first shot to come his way.
A bigger challenge in difficult conditions can be the risk of injury. Thankfully for United, there was no sign of any setback on that front.
5. A line under the season
Ruben Amorim speaking at a Man Utd press conference
Ruben Amorim got a response from his players
Ahead of the game, Ruben Amorim spoke about his decision to continue blooding first-teamers during the tour. "Yes because we need to respect and do better than the last game," he said.
"We understand the players are tired from all the commercial things for our fans. Now it's time to perform to show good things for our fans."
It has been, by every conceivable measure, a season to forget for United. It's now over, though, and they can finally look towards the future.
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