Manchester United ended their post-season tour of Asia with one win and one defeat.
After a turbulent 2024/25 campaign, Manchester United embarked on a post-season tour of Asia with Ineos, believing it could be worth approximately £8 million to the club.
In hindsight, Ineos will argue this is how the football club should prepare for its first season without European football since 2014/15.
In the opening match on tour, United travelled to Kuala Lumpur and suffered a 1-0 defeat against ASEAN All-Stars. There were few positives to take from the match, but Ruben Amorim was at least giving minutes to some of his academy prospects, who may be given another opportunity when the Red Devils travel to the United States for their pre-season tour.
On Friday afternoon, in much cooler conditions, United beat Hong Kong 3-1 at the Hong Kong Stadium with two promising young players getting on the scoresheet for Amorim’s side.
The win lifted the mood for what seemed like a mixed trip.
United fans can at least take some positives from the tour, though. It was an opportunity for supporters across the world to see their favourite players up close, but most importantly, many of the youngsters impressed.
Here are the top four United youngsters who impressed on tour and could step up for Amorim next season.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Shea Lacey
United Academy prospect Shea Lacey impressed on tour with his silky footwork and low centre of gravity.
So long as he can stay fit and continue his development without major setbacks, there is a chance Lacey could be a bright spark for the future at Old Trafford.
The 18-year-old winger didn’t get a full half in either game, but he is likely to be involved in the pre-season tour later this summer.
Sekou Kone
Although Sekou Kone performed better in United’s defeat against ASEAN All-Stars, the promising starlet did reasonably well in the win over Hong Kong. The Mali-born midfielder showed his energy in the middle of the pitch, which is something United’s first team has lacked in abundance.
An admirable trait in Kone’s armour, as seen against the ASEAN All-Stars, is his ability to dictate the tempo of a match.
Reports suggest Kone could be loaned to sister club Lausanne next season, but Amorim has a decision to make unless United have the funds required to sign more midfielders this summer. The experience could make it worthwhile if he isn’t going to be getting minutes under Amorim.
That said, Kone should be brought on the post-season tour at the very least. That would be a brilliant experience for the youngster.
Sékou Koné can strike a ball.
Really fun player to watch. I wonder if he can impress enough to bypass a loan this summer.
— SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) May 30, 2025
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Ayden Heaven
After joining United in January from Arsenal and immediately stepping into the first team, Ayden Heaven needs no introduction.
The 18-year-old centre-back has thus far made 6 appearances for United across all competitions and will be competing for more game time next season under Amorim.
Heaven is already part of Amorim’s plans, but he can make a step up again next season. He looks very accomplished for his age. There’s reason to believe the sky is the limit.
Chido Obi
Like Heaven, Chido Obi joined United from Arsenal in the past year, with the 17-year-old striker given 212 minutes in the first team.
Obi got his name on the scoresheet for the first time in a senior appearance for United against Hong Kong, but his next step will be scoring in a competitive game.
Amorim will be tasked with handling Obi’s development, but he has continued to look like an incredible prospect since joining from Arsenal. That’s two players United have signed from the Gunners in the past year who could have a big role in the club’s plans.