Fan power brings Man United back to KL [WATCH]

New Straits Times

09-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: After 16 years, Manchester United are finally making their way back to Malaysian shores, and this time, it's all about the fans.
The former Premier League champions will take on an Asean XI at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on May 28 - their first-ever post-season tour.
Organisers say the match is a tribute to the support the Red Devils continue to receive from Southeast Asian fans, especially in Malaysia.
"This is more than just a football match, it's about reconnecting with a fanbase that's stood by the club through thick and thin," said Julian Kam, chief executive officer of ProEvents International, who are the organisers.
Man United last played in Malaysia in 2009 under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, with the team attracting sell-out crowds.
Their bond with local fans stretches back more than four decades, with their first visit coming in 1981.
"There's a phenomenal legacy here," said Julian.
"We first brought Manchester United here in 1995, nearly 30 years ago, when we arranged a match against Selangor. Malaysia has always had a special connection with the club."
Julian revealed that bringing United back had been a long process behind the scenes.
"As with the international football calendar, there are many matches during the pre-season, so scheduling a trip to Malaysia wasn't easy," he said.
"We've been working on this project for at least two years to sort out the timing and logistics."
"You have the Club World Championship, the World Cup next year, it's always a challenge.
"That's why we originally planned this tour for the post-season rather than the pre-season.
"After discussions with the club and reviewing the calendar, we agreed that a post-season trip would be best."
This change in approach marks a shift from tradition, with United historically travelling to Asia ahead of the season.
"This is the first time the club are doing a post-season tour, and they are really making the effort to come back," Julian added
With the Red Devils going through one of their toughest seasons in recent memory — languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table — the club are hoping the love from Asean fans will lift morale.
Julian believes the timing works to United's advantage.
"The mentality will be more relaxed than in the usual pre-season, where players are under pressure to perform and earn their place in the team," he said.
"Post-season is more laid-back, but it's still a good opportunity for the manager to observe how players respond to different environments."
"It's not easy for players who haven't been to Asia before. When they see the crowd and the passion of the fans, their reactions will be interesting. And this comes at a time when United are going through one of their most challenging periods performance-wise."
Unlike previous visits, which saw United face the national team or Malaysian Selection, this year's clash will feature an Asean Selection side led by Vietnam national team coach Kim Sang Sik.
Julian said the idea was to make the event a truly regional celebration.
"We want to connect with as many fans as possible in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia. By inviting an Asean All-Star team, we can engage with more supporters in the region."