Hong Kong’s manager and former Manchester United academy player Ashley Westwood has revealed a private conversation with Ruben Amorim before their friendly game.
Manchester United’s dismal 2024/25 campaign ended with a surprise 2-0 win over Aston Villa on May 25 but the players could not jet off on their holidays straight away.
They did all get on a plane later that day but it was instead heading to Asia for the club’s first-ever post-season tour, with two fixtures lined up within days of the season ending.
Ruben Amorim’s side lost 1-0 against the ASEAN All-Stars on May 28, with the lack of effort from a jet-lagged team desperate to be on the beach evident.
Afterwards, on the 30 May, there was a better tempo as United came from behind to beat Hong Kong 3-1 in the second and final friendly of the tour.
Hong Kong boss reveals Amorim conversation
United saw a familiar face when they travelled to China, with ex-academy player Ashley Westwood being the boss of Hong Kong. He had managed in India, Malaysia and Afghanistan before taking his latest managerial role in 2024.
Westwood spoke to Amorim before the game and detailed their chat, and mentioned how he told the United boss himself that the post-season tour was pointless for the players, disagreeing with the fact they were travelling half-way around the world straight after a 60-game campaign.
“I spoke to Ruben Amorim before the match at the press conference,” the 48-year-old told The Athletic this week as he reflected on the experience.
“I was being my usual blunt self and said that his players needed post-season tours like a hole in the head. I’ve been a player, Ruben has too.
“We spoke after the press conference and he’s a charming man, level-headed, honest, warm and welcoming. My staff had similar feelings.”
Amorim’s messaging to the media was that the tour was good for the players to visit United fans in that area of the world but behind the scenes he probably had a similar viewpoint to Westwood.
Although, the United board decided to have this trip due to the finances it would give them. The club earned more than £8 million from the four-day tour, which was especially useful after missing out on Europe for next season.
United players need reset ahead of pre-season
It isn’t just the post-season tour which has kept United players busy, with many playing international fixtures for their countries this week.
Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot are set to play in the Nations League final on Sunday evening while the likes of Rasmus Højlund, Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and Matheus Cunha have also been playing.
Højlund was slammed for his display for Denmark on the weekend but a lot of these underperformers simply need some time away from the pitch.
Read More: Ex-Manchester United coach blasts “selfish” £95m duo who Ruben Amorim ‘could use to sign Viktor Gyokeres’ this summer
United’s pre-season preparations begin at the start of next month and hopefully Amorim welcomes back a refreshed group with some new additions. Despite the failures of last season, there has to be a reset within the camp and that’s what they can do when they finally go on their holidays.
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