Sheer bliss of Man U fans
Pop-up Trafford Den in Kuala Lumpur is a hub for Manchester United fans to connect with each other, share their love for the club and meet some stars as the Red Devils stopped by Malaysia on their Asian tour. — Photos: LOW BOON TAT/The Star
THEir favourite team might have lost the friendly to the Asean All-Stars, but for many local Manchester United fans, this has proven to be quite a special week in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia's capital was chosen as the first stop on the Red Devils' visit to Asia this off-season.
And while they were beaten 1-0 by the 'home team', it turned out to be a rather joyous occasion as fans paid tribute to the stars – boldly and unashamedly showing their passion, pride and unwavering loyalty.
As the official beer partner of Man United, Tiger Beer brought pop-up Trafford Den to life, depicting just what it means to be a fan of the club in Malaysia.
Set in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Trafford Den was the Theatre of Dreams come true for fans as they had the chance to connect, listen to and relive their football moments with star players in attendance.
It led some to declare: 'This is testimony that distance is no barrier for Man United and the fans here in Malaysia.
'This is a great experience made possible by Tiger Beer and the stars who visited.'
(From left) Shaw, Heaton, Dalot, Nani, Casemiro and Sneep with the banner signed by fans.
Going along with the sponsors' tagline, the fans 'uncaged their tiger, where every cheer and every roar echoed the spirit of boldness and passion.'
The atmosphere heightened when Man United players Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Tom Heaton and club legend Nani dropped in for a meet-and-greet session prior to the match.
And the guests of honour did not disappoint – there were great cheers and photographs taken, with autographs signed freely.
There was an overwhelming sense of togetherness, and a supporter who identified himself only as Ben said, 'Just like the club itself, we the United fans stand stronger and together.'
A huge Tiger Beer and Man United banner was signed by the fans as a tribute to the club, which will head to Old Trafford to proudly showcase the passion of Malaysian football supporters.
A supporter says the event proves that distance is no barrier to Manchester United fans.
Heineken Malaysia marketing manager Julie Kuan said: 'Tiger Beer has always stood for boldness and connection, and with Trafford Den, we brought that to life in a way that truly resonated with the club and all it stands for.
'We didn't just bring Man United fans closer to the club, we brought to life the trinity of football fandom – connection, recognition and loyalty.'
She said Tiger Beer created the platform, Manchester United embraced the passion and the fans showed up with unwavering pride.
'It was all about feeling seen, being heard and part of something much bigger.
'Because when fans uncage their 'tiger' and come together, they roar louder – and that spirit of Old Trafford isn't just in Manchester, it lives wherever Tiger Beer is.'
Also present was Heineken Malaysia marketing director Willemijn Sneep and sales director Jimmy Ding. — By SHAUN ORANGE
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