Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim acknowledged that his side may need the criticism and boos from fans after suffering a 1-0 defeat to ASEAN All-Stars in their first fixture of their post-season tour. The team was captained by Harry Maguire, with several first-team players starting, including Casemiro and Diogo Dalot.
Amorim admitted that his side’s performance was lacking, and the boos from fans may be a necessary reminder to improve. He cited the team’s disappointing Premier League season, where they finished 15th and lost in the Europa League final, as an example of their struggles. Amorim described the season as “disastrous” and vowed to work hard to bring the club back to the top.
The defeat has raised doubts over some players’ futures at the club, including Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes. However, academy youngsters were given opportunities to shine in the match. United will play another friendly in Hong Kong on Friday, which is expected to earn the club £8m.
Chief executive Omar Berrada expressed confidence about the club’s transfer plans, stating that they will balance ambition with prudence in the market. The team has already made their first move in the transfer window, signing Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
The defeat comes just a week after the Europa League final loss and three days after beating Aston Villa in their Premier League finale. Amorim told fans that “the good days are coming” as he apologized for the disappointing campaign. Berrada echoed this sentiment, saying that the past is the past and that the club needs to stay united to bring success back to the top.
Source: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/13376050/asean-all-stars-1-0-man-utd-ruben-amorims-side-suffer-friendly-defeat-on-post-season-tour