Latest news with #ProEvents
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Man behind United's Asian tour already planning for big names to visit Hong Kong in 2026
The man who engineered Manchester United's post-season Asian tour said he was already planning to bring more big clubs to Hong Kong next year. Advertisement Paul Kam called the Premier League strugglers' visit a qualified success, after a combined 105,648 people attended games against Asean All-Stars, in Malaysia, and a select XI in Hong Kong. He did not want to comment on whether his ProEvents business recorded a profit or loss from a venture that reportedly earned money-starved United around £8 million (US$10.8 million). And despite 'thoroughly enjoying' Friday's match at Hong Kong Stadium, Kam said he would need some convincing before arranging any more end-of-season fixtures. Wedged between the climax of a 10-month campaign and the June international window, Manchester United's five-day trip attracted criticism over player welfare concerns. Advertisement A number of head coach Ruben Amorim's squad were reportedly grumpy about being ordered overseas, an impression heightened after Amad Diallo raised his middle finger at a supporter in Malaysia, then surly winger Alejandro Garnacho posted a snap from the flight home on social media, accompanied by the caption 'finally'.
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Malay Mail
KL's double header: Asean leaders score time for football with Manchester United clash in Bukit Jalil
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The friendly between English football giants Manchester United and the Asean All-Stars for the Maybank Challenge Cup here on Wednesday (May 28) has attracted the attention of several South-east Asian (Asean) heads of state. According to sources close to the organisers, ProEvents, several Asean leaders are expected to attend the 8.45 pm match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Their presence signals the increasingly important role that football plays as a cultural and diplomatic bridge in South-east Asia, while also highlighting the sport's unique ability to unite diverse nations through a shared passion. Meanwhile, ProEvents Group chief executive officer (CEO) Julian Kam confirmed that over 60,000 tickets have been sold for the match, describing the overwhelming response from fans as a reflection of the deeper significance behind the clash. 'We are truly moved by the overwhelming response from the fans. So far, over 60,000 tickets have been sold, reflecting the immense passion that Malaysians and (others in) the region have for the Red Devils. 'This is more than just a match — it is a football celebration that connects a legendary club with its loyal supporters in South-east Asia,' he told Bernama today. United, under the guidance of Ruben Amorim, are scheduled to arrive this evening after departing for Kuala Lumpur just hours after their final English Premier League match, which saw the Red Devils secure a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester last night. The last time United played in Malaysia was during the 2009 pre-season tour, beating Malaysia XI twice, 3-2 and 2-0, respectively on July 18 and 20 at the National Stadium. The 13-time Premier League champions, who have endured a dismal season by their lofty standards when they ended the season in 15th spot with 42 points, are also scheduled to travel to Hong Kong as part of their pre-season tour to play against the Hong Kong national team at the Hong Kong Stadium on May 30. For the record, leaders from across South-east Asia are converging on the Malaysian capital for the 46th Asean Summit, which began today. — Bernama
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Man United squad fly straight to Malaysia for £8m post-season tour just HOURS after beating Aston Villa to end their worst-ever Premier League term
Manchester United wasted no time jetting away to their post-season tour in the Far East. The squad flew out to Malaysia just hours after salvaging some pride from their worst Premier League season ever by beating Aston Villa 2-0 on Sunday. Mail Sport understands that the club is being paid around £8million for the trip, which will see them play in Kuala Lumpur, Malysia, then in Hong Kong. United's money-hungry higher-ups will be happy to see the windfall in revenue after missing out on £85m following their Europa League agony against Tottenham. To kick off their tour, United will face ASEAN All Stars in the 84,000-capacity Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on May 28. On May 30, they will conclude the jaunt with a clash against Hong Kong in the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium. — (fan) Frank 🧠🇵🇹 (@AmorimEra_) May 25, 2025 Man United flew out to Malaysia for their post-season tour just hours after playing Aston Villa However, that match would clash with the date for the local FA Cup final at the Mong Kok Stadium. ProEvents are behind the tour, which is presented by Snapdragon - United's kit sponsor. United are obliged to release their players for international duty on May 31, with the Nationas League and World Cup qualifiers set to be played in early June. Bruno Fernandes' Portugal, for example, have a Nations League semi-final showdown with Germany on June 4. Players and managers have criticised the surge in post-season tours - Gareth Southgate and Kieran Trippier being two notable names that have spoken out against the new phenomenon. The focal point of their complaints is that these extra games at the end of the season add an unnecessary physical burden on players after an already fixture-packed campaign. But the counter-argument from fans is that many would seldom have the opportunity to watch their favourite team in person if the club did not hold these tours. Indeed, United wrote in a statement: 'The club last visited Kuala Lumpur in 2009, and Hong Kong in 2013, but the bond between United and the club's millions of loyal fans across Asia remains as strong as ever. 'The fixtures in May provide a unique opportunity for the players and staff to connect directly with fans in Asia, and for the club to activate with its valued commercial partners in the region.' Of course, United will appreciate the revenue that this post-season tour will bring them, as they fight to avoid Premier League Profit and Sustainability rule breaches. Chief executive Omar Berrada said: 'We appreciate the amazing level of support that Manchester United enjoys around the world and this summer we are delighted to deliver a schedule that provides our fans in Asia, Scandinavia and the United States the opportunity to connect with the club and watch the men's first team play live in local settings. 'Importantly, Tour fixtures drive significant additional revenue which help make the club stronger, allowing us to keep investing in success on the pitch.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Counting down to MU vs Asean All-Stars in Bukit Jalil
MANCHESTER United are set to return to Malaysia for the first time in more than 15 years, with a match scheduled against the Asean All-Stars at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on May 28. This will be the English club's first visit since their 2009 pre-season tour. The match, kicking off at 8.45pm, is part of the Maybank Challenge Cup and follows the conclusion of the Premier League season. It also marks the beginning of their post-season tour in Asia, which includes Hong Kong for a second fixture on May 30. The match is organised by ProEvents, with support from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Asean Football Federation (AFF). The event is aimed at connecting the club with fans in the region while showcasing regional football talents. Manchester United is expected to bring a full squad, including key players such as Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Alejandro Garnacho, Matthijs de Ligt and Rasmus Hojlund. The Asean side will be led by South Korea's Kim Sang-sik, who recently guided Vietnam to victory in the 2024 Asean Championship. Fans arriving early can look forward to live music performances at 6.30pm on match day. Scheduled to perform are Malaysian rock legend Datuk Ramli Sarip, energetic punk rockers Bunkface and Indonesian band Nidji. Red Devils fans will have the chance to see the players up close and show their support ahead of game day at a First Team Bus Parade which will take place on May 27 at 2pm at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Tickets for the Maybank Challenge Cup are on sale at
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Giggs: Local-foreign talent mix crucial to boosting league competitiveness
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Ryan Giggs believes that a balanced mix of local and foreign talent is key to making football leagues, especially in Malaysia, more competitive. Citing the English Premier League (EPL) as an example, the Welshman said the EPL has evolved significantly, with more teams now capable of beating each other. 'I think it really helped because when foreign players come in, you can learn different things from them. 'And foreign players, in turn, can learn from the homegrown players what it means to play for a particular club,' he told the media during a press conference to promote the Maybank Challenge Cup 2025 here today. The Maybank Challenge Cup 2025, organised by ProEvents, will feature a clash between Manchester United and the ASEAN All-Stars at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on May 28. Giggs, who is the most decorated player in EPL history having won a remarkable 13 titles with United, also expressed his excitement about returning to Malaysia. He was last here during the 2009 pre-season tour, when the Red Devils defeated the Malaysian XI twice - 3-2 and 2-0 respectively on July 18 and 20 - at the National Stadium. Back in Malaysia for a two-day visit, Giggs said he will attend a football clinic at Lalaport tomorrow and participate in a meet-and-greet session later in the day. Meanwhile, ProEvents chief executive officer Julian Kam announced that they will be giving away 528 Manchester United UEFA Europa League Final Edition jerseys through a lucky draw to fans who purchase tickets across all categories. 'It's our way of thanking supporters and adding something truly special to the biggest sporting event of the year,' he said. United are currently languishing in 16th position in the EPL, with the season concluding next week.
