Latest news with #AseanAll-Stars'
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Tactician who toppled Man United now targets Harimau Malaya
KUALA LUMPUR: It won't just be Malaysia and Vietnam battling it out at the National Stadium on June 10 — a tactical showdown is also brewing on the sidelines. National coach Peter Cklamovski is expected to face his stiffest test yet in Vietnam boss Kim Sang Sik, a man whose strategic nous was on full display when he masterminded the Asean All-Stars' stunning 1-0 win over Manchester United on Wednesday. Despite assembling the team just two days before the friendly and missing key players due to World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers, Sang Sik's side looked anything but disorganised. Against a Red Devils squad boasting captain Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo, the Asean XI pulled off a defensive and attacking masterclass to snatch a famous win in Bukit Jalil. That result has raised eyebrows — and expectations — ahead of Vietnam's visit, with critics predicting a fiercely organised and compact Vietnamese unit arriving in Kuala Lumpur. Football pundit Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim believes Asean XI's triumph over United was no fluke. "Sang Sik didn't have the best players, but still got them playing as a unit. That speaks volumes about his tactical awareness," said Zulakbal. "It also suggests he's working with a vast scouting network and strong data analysis behind the scenes." "In modern football, analytics dictate a lot, and Sang Sik clearly knows how to use that to his advantage." Malaysia will need to be sharp. The Golden Star Warriors have dominated the rivalry in recent years, winning seven of the last eight meetings since 2016. The last time Harimau Malaya beat Vietnam was 11 years ago at the AFF Cup But Cklamovski's side have shown signs of promise. On Thursday, they held world No. 72 Cape Verde to a 1-1 draw at the KLFA Stadium. With the possible inclusion of newly naturalised stars like Rodrigo Holgado, hopes are high for a turnaround. Still, Vietnam remain an enigma. There's been little information on their squad, a move that hasn't gone unnoticed. "We've seen very few updates on their preparations. It's clear Sang Sik is keeping his cards close to his chest," said Zulakbal. "Vietnam are always well-drilled and difficult to break down. But Malaysia have also been doing their homework." Several Malaysian officials were spotted in the stands during the Asean XI's win over United. Not to be outdone, Vietnam's coaches also kept tabs on Harimau Malaya during their clash with Cape Verde.
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Amorim will stick to his philosophy despite shameful loss
Below par: Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund (centre) dribbling past Asean All-Stars' Mo Kan during the Maybank Challenge Cup match. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Ruben Amorim and Co may have faced boos from the stands at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, but the Manchester United manager is sticking to his footballing philosophy — even after his side's 1-0 defeat to the spirited Asean All-Stars on Wednesday. The Portuguese tactician, who took over the Red Devils on Nov 1, 2024, admitted his side lacked sharpness and urgency in the friendly encounter, but insisted that he would continue trusting the playing principles that got him this far in his career. 'We should perform better. We were slow, and we don't have it in us yet to win every exercise in training or every game,' said Amorim. Star attraction: Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes controlling the ball. — Bernama 'But most importantly, we didn't have any injuries, and we move forward.' Amorim was clear that the defeat, while frustrating, would not derail his vision for the team ahead of the new Premier League season. 'The way I play is the same as other coaches. You have an idea, you stick with it. I am just a coach that reached this level because of certain things. Of course we need to improve the results, but I am confident of doing it,' he said. Fans in Kuala Lumpur, including many donning the famous red jersey, voiced their discontent as United struggled to break down an All-Stars team that had only trained together for two days. Amorim acknowledged the fans' passion and their right to demand more. 'I feel guilty when it comes to the performance of the team. The boos from the fans – we need it. They were always there, even when we lost. If they see it's not working, they'll tell us.' United's lack of goals was another concern highlighted by Amorim especially the poor form of Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, who has been ridiculed by many fans for his poor movement and finishing as a striker. 'We assess that. We prepare for the first game of the Premier League. Sometimes, you can't overthink. You go for the holidays, reset, and the environment in the training ground can build confidence.' Despite the frustration, Amorim was gracious in defeat and hinted at internal changes ahead. 'There will be changes. You have to wait for next season. We will see. But the hunger to win every game - that's what I want to bring back to United.' Meanwhile, United captain and midfielder Bruno Fernandes said he expected the All-Stars to produce a top performance, but at the end of the day, he knew the magnitude of his club globally. 'We expected a hard game against them. We know there are lots of talents here in Asia. We came for the fans to see us and also for the young boys to experience this,' said the Portuguese international. 'It was nice to be playing in front of these fans and feel the love from them.'
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Putting Asean on summit
Composed show: Asean All-Stars' Nguyen Hai Long (second from right) trying to dribble the ball past three Manchester United players during the Maybank Challenge Cup match. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: For Asean All-Stars coach Kim Sang-sik, it was a night of immense pride and satisfaction as his hastily assembled side pulled off a famous win against one of the biggest clubs in the world. The Asean All-Stars defeated English giants Manchester United 1-0 to win the Maybank Challenge Cup at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday. Myanmar captain and winger Maung Maung Lwin was the hero, scoring in the 70th minute. 'To play against one of the best clubs in the world - it was a great match, a great performance,' said the South Korean, who coaches the Vietnam national team. 'We only trained for two days, but they played together like they knew each other for 20 years. It was organised and polished. 'We are grateful for this opportunity.' Sang-sik praised his players' ability to rise to the occasion despite the odds, especially in the face of physical challenges and humid conditions. He singled out Vietnamese midfielder Nguyen Hai Long, who only joined the squad a day before the match but put in a composed display. 'Hai Long played well. He's done well for Vietnam, and I hope Amorim watched him and is interested in the player,' joked Sang-sik. The game also saw Malaysian playmaker Sergio Aguero –brought in as a captain – lead the All-Stars with composure, adding a touch of experience and flair in midfield. 'To beat Manchester United is a special moment for me and a meaningful one. I can spend a good time with the Asean All-Stars and celebrate together as a team,' said Sang-sik. 'Plus I have followed Manchester for a long time especially when Park Ji-sung was there and also the great presence of Sir Alex Ferguson.' He also turned his attention to the upcoming challenge against Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10, promising a stronger performance. 'Next month, there'll be a sea of yellow. Our team will prepare well against Malaysia and want to be ready for this game.' With belief, spirit, and a dose of organisation, the Asean All-Stars gave Ruben Amorim and United plenty to ponder and sent a signal that South-East Asian football is ready to test itself more regularly on the global stage.
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Aguero's now fearless after being part of shock win over Devils
Gaining confidence: Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo (left) moving past Asean All-Stars' Sergio Aguero. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: Sergio Aguero feels unstoppable after going toe-to-toe with Manchester United. The Harimau Malaya naturalised striker was captain of the Asean All-Stars squad that defeated English giants Manchester United 1-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday. But it wasn't just about the win for Aguero, who said he is oozing confidence after playing against the Red Devils. 'I feel like now I can play against everyone, I feel confident. 'It was one of my best experiences, mainly because of the team that we played against. They are a top club. The way they control the ball, the passes that they make are crazy. It was a historic moment for myself,' he said. United played a match against the All-Stars as part of the post-season tour, which continues in Hong Kong, but left in disappointment after substitute Muang Muang Lwin of Myanmar scored the winning goal to lift the Maybank Challenge Cup. Aguero, who plays for Pahang, added that simply being in the squad that took on the 20-time English top-flight league title winners was a proud moment in itself. 'It's a historic moment for us, not just for the win but just to have played the match. I was already very happy for that. 'Of course, the win was an added bonus. I started to feel confident with the ball and trusted myself during the match,' he said. Aguero's performance also earned praise from United head coach Ruben Amorim, who spoke highly of him after the match. 'Aguero is a good player, he controlled the midfield quite well,' said Amorim. The Argentine-born Aguero said he shared some words on the pitch with fellow countryman Alejandro Garnacho, along with Spanish-speaking Brazilian Casemiro. 'I spoke with Garnacho because he is from Argentina and plays for the national team. He's a great guy. I also shared some words with Casemiro because he speaks Spanish after playing in Spain for a long time. 'They were really tired, it has been a lot of travelling for them, having arrived here right after their final Premier League match,' he said.
The Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Sorry, sorry Man United
Manchester United's Manuel Ugarte (left) tussling for the ball with Asean All-Stars' Mo Kan during their Maybank Challenge Cup match. The Red Devils lost 1-0. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star 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.
