KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took time off from his packed schedule to witness the much-anticipated post-season friendly match between English football powerhouse Manchester United and the ASEAN All-Stars at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium here tonight.
Anwar's presence added a touch of excitement to the match, known as the Maybank Challenge Cup, which drew over 72,500 fans from not only Malaysia but also across the region.
Anwar, a Manchester United fan, arrived at the stadium donning the ASEAN All-Stars jersey with a Manchester United jacket layered on top as a gesture of support for both his favourite club and regional football.
Accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, the Prime Minister greeted the starting eleven players from both teams on the pitch before the kick-off, further adding to the ceremonial importance of the occasion.
Anwar also received a mock cheque for RM1 million from ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) president Major General Khiev Sameth, presented to Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah (YASA).
He then enjoyed the match as the Red Devils' stars, including Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund, Carlos Casemiro, Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, put on a spirited performance under the guidance of head coach Ruben Amorim.
The ASEAN All-Stars, comprising players from AFF member countries, including Australia, were coached by South Korean tactician Kim Sang Sik, who recently led Vietnam to victory in the ASEAN Championship, and captained by Harimau Malaya's naturalised striker Sergio Aguero.
ASEAN All-Stars stunned Manchester United with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a 72nd-minute goal from Myanmar's Maung Maung Lwin, which added to Manchester United's frustrations following a disappointing season.
Following the final whistle, Anwar presented medals and the trophy to the players.
The friendly coincided with the 46th ASEAN Summit, the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, which concluded yesterday.
The match marked Manchester United's return to Malaysian soil for the first time since their 2009 pre-season tour, when they defeated a Malaysia XI 3-2 and 2-0 on July 18 and 20, respectively, at the same venue.
Manchester United, who endured a difficult Premier League campaign and finished 15th with just 42 points, will continue their post-season tour with a stop in Hong Kong later this week.
-- BERNAMA
