Sorry, sorry Man United
PETALING JAYA: Myanmari winger Maung Maung Lwin was in top flight for the Asean All-Stars when his lone goal in the 72nd minute downed English Premier League giants Manchester United 1-0 in the Maybank Challenge Cup match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
The Asean All-Stars were truly the better side, producing some direct and effective plays, and creating at least five decent chances.
The best two came in the sixth and 26th minutes.
The first one was a beautifully teed ball by striker Abdel Kader Coulibaly, which found winger Nguyen Hai Long, but his shot was inches off the post.
Then midfielder Sandro Reyes got the best chance in the 28th, only to see his stinging drive saved by Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Realising the need for movement and efficiency, Ruben Amorim was forced to make four changes by bringing on young guns Shea Lacey, Daniel Armer, Sekou Kone and Jaydan Kamason for Jack Moorhouse, Harry Maguire, Casemiro and Diogo Dalot.
The changes ignited some hope as United got their first best chance of the game when midfielder Kobbie Mainoo unleashed a shot but it was palmed away by All-Stars goalkeeper Patiwat Khammai.
Then there were two to three more chances, but they were nullified by Patiwat and co.
The All-Stars, led by Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik, also brought on reinforcements by making a double substitution, bringing off Coulibaly and Kealey Adamson for wingback Adib Abd Raop and striker Bounpachan Bounkong respectively.
The game was 0-0 in the first-half, and in the second-half, both sides made numerous changes but the highlight was the introduction of United captain and midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
And the Portuguese midfielder nearly made an impact in the 58th minute but his volley was inches over the bar.
The All-Stars though took the lead when substitute winger Maung Lwin, who is the Myanmar national team captain, finished off a superb through pass from midfielder Adrian Segricic in the 72nd minute.
United tried to mount a fightback but the All-Stars defence proved to be a solid unit by stopping numerous goalscoring chances.
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