Inside Man Utd's post-season tour - Fuming stars, farcical scenes, stag do claim
Manchester United stars have been left "dismayed" after being forced to travel for the club's post-season tour in Asia, with some forced to cancel personal holidays. The Red Devils jetted off for a 150-mile round trip to Malaysia and Hong Kong immediately after their last game of the Premier League season against Aston Villa last week.
United had only just concluded a calamitous season that saw them finish 15th after 18 losses, while they also lost the Europa League final to rivals Tottenham that saw them miss out on the chance to secure Champions League football.
When they discovered the club's plans to embark on a post-season tour so soon after a disastrous campaign, a small group of players approached the hierarchy to express their dissatisfaction, according to Manchester Evening News, with suggestions that some would refuse to join.
United ended up bringing forward the flight to Malaysia after their 2-0 win over Villa on Sunday to 'reduce the possibility of last-minute withdrawals', with even injured stars Luke Shaw, Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee boarding the plane.
The report adds that some members of the squad were "fuming" that the club organised the tour after a gruelling and difficult 60-game season.
There were claims by some players that the tour would be like a 'stag do', with some staff enjoying drinks on the 14-hour flight. On the first night there, players were allowed to head into the city of Kuala Lumpur - but sources say "nothing crazy happened", with players returning at a "reasonable time".
The tour began in miserable fashion, however, as United lost 1-0 to Asean All-Stars, a team that had played one game previously - a 1-0 defeat to the Indonesia national team. Afterwards, there was "humour" on the team bus, despite being booed by fans.
United did win their second game 3-1 against Hong Kong, which earned them a friendly trophy - one so insignificant it was carried to the dressing room by their press officer.
There had also been farcical scenes that were widely mocked on social media after United's open-top bus ride around Kuala Lumpur, with Zirkzee, De Ligt and Ayden Heaven taking part.
Fans have teased United for the move despite their dismal season, but United officials have insisted it was billed as a bus tour - and one that was lapped up by locals.
The trip has not been disciplined as a pre-season tour and players were allowed to be more "frivolous". Alejandro Garnacho - whose future remains uncertain - headed out with Heaven on e-scooters.
Meanwhile, Zirkzee was unimpressed by room service at the team's hotel so he headed out for a Thai takeaway, flanked by a security guard.
Three players who headed out to Malaysia - Harry Maguire, Andre Onana and Diogo Dalot - were picked to travel to Mumabi, India for more commercial activities. However, they were happy to do so as it meant they were able to return to the UK sooner.
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