Manchester United’s post-season Asian tour concluded with a 3-1 victory over Hong Kong, but the trip generated mixed results both on and off the pitch.
“As a player, and I have been there, they probably need this like a hole in the head.”
Hong Kong coach Ashley Westwood offered a candid assessment of the tour’s impact on the Manchester United players. Westwood, a former FA Youth Cup winner with United and contributor to MUTV, possesses firsthand knowledge of the club’s demanding environment.
While public statements from United players expressed enthusiasm, and officials privately lauded their professionalism in fulfilling numerous commercial obligations, Westwood highlighted the underlying reality.
“No-one says it on the record because they can’t, but fans and sponsors pay wages and this trip is all about revenues,” he stated.
The tour initially appeared headed for disappointment, with United trailing 1-0 at halftime against Hong Kong. However, second-half goals from new signings Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven secured a win, albeit before a sparsely attended, rain-soaked stadium.
The tour’s overall success remains debatable. United projects approximately £10 million in revenue from the 14,000-mile, six-day excursion, irrespective of ticket sales.
While the US remains a key pre-season focus, the Asian tour served to fulfill existing sponsorship commitments with partners like Maybank, Malaysia Airlines, Tiger Beer, and Apollo Tyres.
The prioritization of commercial interests was evident when goalkeeper Andre Onana and defenders Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot departed early for commercial engagements, leaving teammates to face boos from a significant portion of the 72,550-strong crowd following a 1-0 defeat to a Southeast Asian select XI.
As Westwood implied, player participation was largely obligatory, with the immediate post-season departure leaving little room for refusal. Even injured players, such as Matthijs de Ligt, participated while others, like Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof, declined due to personal reasons.
Consequently, the tour’s atmosphere was characterized by a relaxed, rather than intensely focused, approach. Reports described a celebratory flight to Kuala Lumpur, social outings, and general unwinding. Post-defeat in Kuala Lumpur, the team’s reaction ranged from gallows humor to minor incidents involving players.
Alejandro Garnacho’s participation seemed less enthusiastic, notably failing to fulfill a promise to exchange shirts with opponent Sergio Aguero. Further, Amad Diallo’s social media controversy involving a disrespectful gesture to a fan added to the negative narrative.
Beyond player behavior, United’s organizational decisions also drew criticism, with the seemingly incongruous bus parade in Kuala Lumpur following the club’s decision to forgo a parade for a potential Europa League win.
The tour’s overall impact pales in comparison to past visits, notably a 2009 trip featuring star players like Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney, which generated significantly greater fan engagement.
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Manager Ruben Amorim gained valuable insight into the multifaceted demands of managing United. His interactions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim exemplify the unique exposure afforded by the club.
Despite the off-field distractions, Amorim emphasizes the need for on-field success. The loss against a Southeast Asian select XI underscored the team’s need for improvement, leading to appeals for better attendance at the Hong Kong match.
The Hong Kong match, played amidst a severe thunderstorm, coincided with renewed speculation about Bruno Fernandes’ future amidst a substantial offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal.
While Amorim expressed confidence in Fernandes remaining, the situation remains uncertain. The victory over Hong Kong provided a positive conclusion, but the tour’s overall impact remains questionable.
A 2011 Kantar poll suggested United possessed 659 million global followers. Given the current financial climate and the tour’s lukewarm reception, this figure likely requires updating.
United’s commercial dominance has waned, trailing behind Manchester City in recent years. The Asian tour revealed a reduced draw compared to previous eras. While players engaged with fans before departing, the tour highlighted a need for future improvement.
Amorim acknowledges the need for a more successful return to Asia, stating, “We want to return but I would like to come back with better results…But it would be so much fun to come here with titles.”
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